Health CS Kagwe orders supermarkets to limit number of shoppers

Health CS Kagwe orders supermarkets to limit number of shoppers

Supermarkets and other shopping areas have been directed to limit number of shoppers so that they remain compliant with social distancing guidelines with regards to coronavirus.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the number of shoppers allowed inside the building is to be based on the size of premises.

“A queue management system must be established to manage the crowds outside the supermarket  and priority be given to the elderly, pregnant mothers and people living with disabilities,” he said.

He further directed that supermarkets encourage home delivery while maintaining high standards of hygiene.

All supermarkets will be expected to disinfect their facilities several times a day with the order extended to mall and other shopping facilities.

The Cabinet Secretary stated that where feasible, supermarkets should open on a 24-hour basis and if they require additional security, the government will provide personnel.

“While going to supermarkets, let me reiterate, it is one person at a time; we do not expect people to go to supermarkets or other social areas bunched together with their children, families…leave them at home. Shopping must be restricted to one person,” he said.

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All entertainment areas such as bars and other social places have been directed to close their doors to the public by 7:30pm daily.

Kagwe said the order is effective Monday, March 23 until further notice; he added that where possible, such establishments can provide home delivery services

According to the CS, open air markets including those that deal with second hand clothes (mitumba) are high risk transmission environments.

He ordered that managements of local markets ensure that their premises are disinfected on a regular basis.

Vegetable markets are also required to ensure that goods are displayed on disinfected areas and waste is collected daily.

“Tomorrow (Saturday) we will embark on a major clean up and fumigation starting with Gikomba as soon as the markets open. There will be no one there because of prayers so we will start as early as possible,” Kagwe said.

County governments are also required to prioritize garbage collection and cleanliness of all markets and ensure that soap and water is available.

He added that markets will remain open until further advise is given.

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