Africa Nazarene University closed over coronavirus contact trace in Ongata Rongai

Africa Nazarene University has suspended on-campus classes after Kenya confirmed its first positive case of coronavirus.

According to the Vice Chancellor Stanley Bhebhe, health officials identified that the contact trace of the confirmed case includes Ongata Rongai where the university is located.

“After careful consideration and analysis of the situation, the university has taken a cautionary decision to suspend on-campus classes effective Monday 16th, 2020,” his statement reads.

The VC said the closure applies to the main campus in Ongata Rongai as well as the Nairobi centre.

Distance classes are to continue as usual but exams that were scheduled for the end of January trimester have been rescheduled.

In the statement, VC Bhebhe ordered students who reside at the university hostels to vacate the premises not later that Monday, March 16, 2020.

The Kenyan Government confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the country on Friday.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the patient is a woman who travelled from the U.S. to Nairobi through London.

“The case was confirmed yesterday (Thursday). She was confirmed positive by the National Influenza Lab,” he said.

According to the CS, the condition of the Kenyan woman who arrived in the country on March 5, is stable and her temperature has gone down to normal.

He said the patient is currently at the Kenyatta National Hospital and the Government has traced everyone that she was in contact with.

The CS further said that Kenyans must take seriously the guidelines issued to prevent infection.

These include thoroughly wash hands and use alcohol based sanitizer and 1 meter distance from a person who is sneezing or coughing.

Further, a person who is coughing or sneezing should stay at home and avoid crowds..”We have suspended all public gatherings meetings, games, events, church crusades. Churches can have services as long as they have sanitizer,” he added.

Schools are to remain open but inter school games cancelled, the CS said adding that all visits to prisons are also suspended for the next 30 days.

He also warned against spreading panic on social media platforms saying: “Kenyans must not abuse social media platforms or indulge in acts that will place fear.”

“At the moment, there is absolutely no need for panic or worry provided we keep having the precautionary measures,” the CS added.

“If you take Matatus, buses, trains, we are giving public transport special intervention,” he said