There are now three people with coronavirus in Kenya. The first case was reported on Friday, March 6th.
The two who tested positive had been in contact with the first patient. They are now at the Kenyatta National Hospital isolation facility and in stable condition according to the president.
In a statement, president Uhuru Kenyatta says that measures have been put in place for containment and treatment protocols across the country.
Measures Taken To Contain Coronavirus In Kenya
- Travel is suspended for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases.
- Only Kenyan Citizens and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed to come in provided they proceed on self-quarantine or to a government-designated quarantine facility.
- This will take effect within the next 48 hours to cater for any passengers who may be en route. This directive will remain in effect for the next 30 days or as varied by the National Emergency Response Committee.
- All persons who have come into Kenya in the last 14 days must self-quarantine. If any person exhibits symptoms such as cough, or fever, they should present themselves to the nearest health facility for testing;
School Closures To Contain Coronavirus In Kenya
- Learning has been suspended in all educational institutions with immediate effect. Consequently, and to facilitate a phased approach, primary and secondary day schools are to suspend operations from tomorrow.
- For those in boarding schools, the school administration is to ensure that students are home by Wednesday, 18th March 2020 while Universities and Tertiary Institutions are to close by Friday, 20th March 2020;
- Where possible, government offices, businesses and companies are encouraged to allow employees to work from home, with the exception of employees working in critical or essential services.
- In order to avoid the risk of transmission through physical handling of money, Kenyans are encouraged to use of cashless transactions such as mobile money and credit cards. We appeal to mobile operators and banks to take into consideration the situation, and reduce the cost of transactions during this period.
Crowded Places
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- Avoid congregating including in places of worship;
- Minimize attendance to social gatherings including weddings and funerals, and restrict the same to immediate family members;
- Avoid crowded places including shopping malls and entertainment premises;
- Minimize congestion in public transport wherever possible.
- Limitation of visitors to hospitalised patients in both public and private hospitals.
The best weapon you have as a Kenyan is to prevent the spread of the virus. If you observe the above, there is every likelihood that this virus will be defeated. On the same note, tame your fingers. we are more likely to be consumed by the spread of fake news than by the virus itself. It starts with you.
