Gov’t: Restaurants to apply for fresh permits, undergo inspection before reopening

Restaurants and eateries will now be required to apply for fresh permits and undergo inspection to ensure they comply with government directives on combating the spread of Covid-19 before finally reopening.

Speaking during a press address at Afya House on Tuesday, Acting Director of Public Health Dr. Francis Kuria urged restaurant proprietors to download Form A from the Ministry of Health website and fill it.

They are then required to submit the form to the County Public Health Officer in charge of food safety and then await a formal inspection.

According to Dr. Kuria, this process will be followed so as to ensure the proprietors understand government protocol for managing their restaurants and eateries during the coronavirus period.

“There is a form that we have provided to all County Public Health Officers and there’s a checklist that they will go through to make sure that you comply with all those requirements. The requirements are to make sure that all the gains we have made in containing this pandemic are not lost,” said Dr. Kuria.

“We urge a lot of patience for the operators as they get inspected to not open until they’re fully licensed. You must provide evidence that all the workers in that facility have gone through medical screening and have tested negative for Covid-19 at a laboratory designated by the government, and only commence operations upon receipt of a permit.”

Dr. Kuria further reiterated remarks made by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Monday when he formally gave restaurants the green light to open their doors.

He stated that restaurants must limit the number of customers to 4 people for every 10 square metres and space their tables at least 1.5 metres apart.

“Restaurants and eateries must install a contact free thermometer and ensure that every person entering the premises has his/her body temperature taken,” he added.

“Any staff member or reveler with temperature above 37.5 degrees shall not be allowed entry into the premises, and the premises shall immediately notify the Ministry of Health.”