NAIROBI,Kenya, July 30 – At the footsteps of Harambee House in the nation’s capital Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe sought to address the country’s current COVID-19 status, stating that Kenya is not yet out of the woods.
The country’s positivity rate currently stands at 13 per cent with counties such as Kiambu, Kajiado, Lamu, Makueni, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Taita Taveta and Tana River reporting a spike in infection rates.
Projections by the National Emergency Response committee on Corona Virus have revealed that the positivity rate will be on the ascendancy between July and August 2021 as the Delta Variant rages on across the world.
Revised Guidelines.
The hours of the ongoing nationwide curfew will continue across the Country, starting from 10:00p.m. and ending at 4:00 a.m. until further notice. This applies to the counties in the lake region as well.
All public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature have been suspended countrywide, with Kagwe further revealing that all Government including Intergovernmental meetings and conferences will be converted to virtual meetings or postponed.
“All forms of physical/congregational worship in the country (churches, mosques, temples) be permitted as per the guidance of the Inter-Faith Council protocols. In-person worship should be limited to a third of the capacity of the venue in strict adherence with the guidelines and protocols of the Ministry of Health.” Said Kagwe who further said, “While indoors, maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter between people not from the same household and observe hand and cough hygiene to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
All restaurants and eateries have been directed to ensure they operate in strict adherence to the protocols provided by the Ministry of Health.
Despite an initial directive being issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta banning public/political gatherings, the events described as possible ‘super spreader events’ have continued to be held across the country.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai however says, police are under firm instructions to enforce the law.
“I have directed all county commander to ensure public,political gatherings are not conducted. This we will enforce according to the law,” said Mutyambai.
Meanwhile Kenyans have been warned against self-medicating and using over the counter (OTC) medicines for treatment of respiratory tract infections.
“We continue to implore all Kenyans, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccines not to let their guard down, and urge them to avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings, employ physical distancing, observe strict hand hygiene and the proper and passionate use of facemasks both indoors and outdoors. Recent events show even vaccinated people can contract the disease although with less severity.” he said
Non-compliance by a section of individuals to containment measures and protocols has been described as the biggest threat to gains made to avert the spread of the deadly virus.
As learners recently returned to school, Kagwe is now advising teachers to get the COVID-19 jab.
“This is to safeguard our future generation by ensuring access to quality education that will potentially boost Kenya’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The emergency response committee has meanwhile directed that employers should encourage its woking staff to conduct their duties while at home with the exemption of those considered essential service providers.
Counties continue to be most hit with the virus, with Kagwe advising local governments to invest in piping oxygen in their health care facilities with the national government expected to install oxygen plants in the coming months.
“Counties are further urged to ensure they have adequate PPE’s. In this regard, KEMSA is directed to supply the PPEs to counties despite their pending bill status.Counties are called upon to ensure they enforce the 72-hour period of disposal of remains of deceased persons and ascertain that licensed funeral homes adhere to these guidelines.”
As of Friday 30,2021, 201,954 people have tested positive for COVID-19.
A total of 1,432 patients have been admitted across health facilities nationwide while 3,975 are under the home based isolation and care program.
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