Uhuru confirms 2 more coronavirus cases, orders schools shut, bans travel from hit countries

By , K24 Digital
On Sun, 15 Mar, 2020 17:43 | 2 mins read
Uhuru
President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the country from Harambee House in Nairobi on March 15, 2020. PHOTO | SCREENGRAB
President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the country from Harambee House in Nairobi on March 15, 2020. PHOTO | SCREENGRAB

President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered all day primary and secondary schools closed effective Monday, March 16, 2020, after two coronavirus cased were confirmed in Kenya.

As the President was addressing the nation from the steps of Harambee House on Sunday, the Government Spokesperson tweeted that the two new coronavirus patients were seated next to Kenya's patient zero on the plane.

"The two new #covid19kenya patients were seated next to patient zero in the plane. One has Kenyan citizenship while the other is a dual citizen of Kenya and Britain," said the Government Spokesperson handle.

In his address, President Kenyatta outlined several measures to tame the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease, including the closure of schools beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.

Further, President Kenyatta urged universities and other tertiary colleges to be closed by Wednesday, March 18.

The President also cautioned Kenyans against spreading misinformation on the coronavirus pandemic, saying false information is likely to lead to panic.

"We have set necessary containment and treatment protocols across the country," said President Kenyatta.

Uhuru's measures

Govt suspending travel for all persons coming to Kenya from countries with reported coronavirus cases

Only Kenyan residents and foreigners with resident permits will be allowed in the country provided they will subject themselves to self-quarantine effective 48 hours.

All persons who have come to Kenya within the last 14 days must self-quarantine and must present themselves to the nearest facilities should they exhibit any coronavirus symptoms.

Primary and secondary day schools are to suspend operations from tomorrow. Those in boarding schools, all students must be home by March 18 while universities and tertiary institutions must be closed by Friday.

Where possible, the government and employers should allow their employees to work from home.

In order to avoid the risk of transmission through cash, we encourage digital transactions.

Avoid congregating in places of worship, funerals. Restrict gatherings to immediate family. Avoid shopping malls. Minimise congestion in public transport.

Hospitals and shopping malls encouraged to provide soap and water and to ensure that their premises are regularly cleaned.