Kenya: International flights to be suspended on March 25 /update 7

Event

The Kenyan government announced on Monday, March 23, that all international flights to and from the country will be suspended from 23:59 (local time) on Wednesday, March 25. Only cargo flights will be allowed to operate but crew must follow strict regulations. All individuals who enter the country before the restriction comes into effect must undergo a 14-day quarantine at a government designated facility at their own expense. Foreign nationals who are currently under self-isolation may break quarantine only if they are asymptomatic and are leaving Kenya immediately before international flights are suspended. 

Other containment measures remain in effect as of Monday. All individuals who entered Kenya from a country with reported COVID-19 cases since March 1 must self-quarantine for 14 days or until they have been symptom free for over 14 day from their time of entry. Temperature screening measures are in place at all points of entry. All pubs were closed on Sunday, March 22, and citizens are being asked to stay indoors unless travel is essential.

As of March 23, 16 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.