Coronavirus: Kenya placed under dusk-to-dawn curfew as cases rise to 28

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared a nationwide curfew which will run from 7pm to 5am effective from Friday to restrict movement to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Uhuru on his National Address on Wednesday evening made the pronouncement saying that the only exceptions will be for essential services.

He said: “Effective Friday there will be a day curfew from 7pm to 5am on all territories of Kenya.”

The President also announced that the number of coronavirus cases had shot by three after new cases were diagnosed, taking Kenya’s numbers to 28.

However, it was not a doom and gloom affair as president said that one patient had tested negative, meaning that Kenya now has already one person who has recovered from the bug.

After announcing a raft economic measures to cushion Kenyans and make the economy stay afloat, the Head of State made emphasized on the need to follow the safety measures given by the Ministry of Health.

“Reducing movement and congregation in large groups as has been recommended by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

Also emphasized was the social distancing, for which the Transport Ministry directed Public Service Vehicles to limit the number of passengers and ensure safety measures are in place.

“Social distancing is now our new way of life until such a time we will conquer this virus,” he stated.

Below are some of the essential services that the government will not require to be restricted by the nationwide curfew.

Medical professionals and health workers, National Security Administration and Coordination officers, Public Health and Sanitation officers from the counties, licensed pharmacies and drug stores, Kenya Power, food dealers wholesalers and transporters, licensed supermarkets, mini-supermarkets and hypermarkets, licensed retailers and distributors of petroleum products, licensed telecommunication operators and service providers, licensed banks, financial institutions, and payment services, licensed security firms and fire brigade.