Kenyan Health Ministry on Thursday announced a slew of strict measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus in some counties in the western part of the country that has been designated as the new virus hotspots, reported CGTN Africa.
Mutahi Kagwe, the cabinet secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Health, said the revised measures include extended night curfew, a ban on public gatherings, and in-person worship.
“Except for essential and emergency services, movement between the hotspot zones and the rest of the country is strongly discouraged,” Kagwe said in a statement.
Night curfews in the 13 counties, which currently account for 60 percent of the country’s total COVID-19 caseload, will be extended from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. with effect from Friday.
The Kenyan minister said that proximity to the Ugandan border could be resulting in increasing coronavirus case numbers in Western Kenyan counties.
Kagwe added that as a precautionary measure all cross-border cargo drivers will be required to possess a valid certificate indicating a negative COVID-19 test. Bulk cargo trucks will have only two persons and non-food and livestock open-air markets in the hotspot zone had been suspended for 30 days.
“All public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature are prohibited within the hotspot zone, including house parties and sporting activities,” said the Kenyan minister.
All funerals and interment ceremonies in the hotspot zone shall be conducted within 72 hours upon confirmation of death. The number of mourners will not be allowed beyond 50 persons.
Kagwe ordered all employers including the public and private sector, government offices, businesses, and companies in the hotspot zone to allow their employees to work from home, with the exception of employees working in critical or essential services.
The East African nation’s COVID-19 caseload increased to 177,282 on Thursday, while total recoveries stood at 122,018.
