Saudi Arabia extends travel ban to Kenya, others over coronavirus

Saudi Arabia has imposed a travel ban on almost all countries from Europe, 12 from Asia and a handful from Africa as it moves in to contain the Covid-19 infection.

Among the countries now banned from travelling to Saudi Arabia is Kenya which sends a huge number of workers to the kingdom all year round.

The list also includes Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia.

Saudi Arabia  has so far reported 45 cases.

The new ban came after the ministry of health said that two people had tested for the virus after returning home from Iraq and Iran.

Over 21 cases in the country are reported to have contracted the virus after they came into contact with an Egyptian who was visiting his kin.

One person from the 45 who are under isolation is said to have recovered from the infection while the rest are receiving the necessary healthcare.

Saudi Arabia has taken measures to curb the spread of the virus including suspending education, banning religious lessons at all mosques and limiting Friday prayer sermons to 15 minutes.

With the new ban, visitors to the kingdom who will not disclose their medical condition and travel details at the point of entry risk a Ksh. 13.7M fine.

Saudi Arabia also recently banned citizens and residents from performing pilgrimage in Mecca over fears of coronavirus in a rare step.