Govt suspends all travel from any coronavirus hit countries

Govt suspends all travel from any coronavirus hit countries

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a travel ban restricting entry into Kenya for anyone coming from any country with reported coronavirus cases.

This comes after Kenya confirmed two more coronavirus cases after the first one that was recorded on Friday, March 13.

“The Government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases,” said Kenyatta, in a public address on Sunday.

He noted that only Kenyan Citizens, and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed into the country provided they proceed on self quarantine or to a government designated quarantine facility.

According to the President, the travel ban which lasts for 30 days will take effect after 48 hours to cater for any passengers who may be enroute to Kenya.

“This directive will remain in effect for the next 30 days or as varied by the National Emergency Response Committee,” said the President.

He further instructed that all persons who have come into Kenya over the past 14 days to self-quarantine.

“If any person exhibits symptoms such as cough, or fever, they should present themselves to the nearest health facility for testing,” he said.

The travel ban is part of the government’s additional protocols to prevent further spread and transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Other measure announced by the President include the immediate closure of all learning institutions in the country.

Primary and secondary day schools are to suspend operations from Monday, March 16 while administrations of boarding schools have been given until Wednesday, March 18 to ensure all students are released to go home.

Universities and tertiary institutions are to close by Friday, March 20, 2020.

The Head of State urged government offices, businesses and companies to allow employees work from home with the exception of those working in critical or essential services.

To avoid the risk of transmission through physical handling of money, the President encouraged the use of cashless transactions such as mobile money and credit cards, appealing on mobile operators and banks to consider reducing transaction costs.

Members of public have also been urged to avoid congregating in places of worship as well as crowded places including shopping malls and entertainment premises.

The President also encouraged the public to minimise attendance to social gatherings including weddings and funerals and restrict the same to immediate family members.

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