Kenya: Movement restrictions to be lifted in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties July 7 /update 25

Event

President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Monday, July 6, that movement restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be lifted in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties from 04:00 (local time) on Tuesday, July 7. Kenyatta stated that movement into and out of these areas will be permitted; however, he warned that restrictions could be reimposed if necessary.

The government extended the current curfew in place between 21:00 and 04:00 by another 30 days as of July 6. Public gatherings also remain banned for a further 30 days. Face masks or coverings must always be worn when in public and a distance of 1 m (3 ft) maintained from other people. Businesses have been ordered to provide soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer at building entryways. Those found in breach of the above measures could face a Sh 20,000 (USD 189) fine or six months of jail time. All bars are closed until further notice and whilst restaurants have reopened, they must comply with social distancing regulations. A gradual reopening of schools is planned to take place from September 1.

Kenyatta stated that international commercial flights would resume from August 1 and that domestic flights will commence from July 15.

As of Monday, July 6, Kenya has recorded 8,067 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 164 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in 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.