Uhuru directs all schools be closed over coronavirus outbreak

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that all learning institutions in the country be closed following confirmation of two more coronavirus cases in Nairobi.

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.

Addressing the nation from his Harambee House office, 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.

“We appeal to mobile operators and banks to take note of the situation we are in and to reduce the cost of transactions during this period,” he said.

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.

“Hospitals and shopping malls are encouraged to provide soap, water and hand sanitizers and ensure that all their premises are regularly cleaned and disinfected,” said Kenyatta.

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