Nationwide curfew extended by 60 days as 8 counties record COVID-19 positivity rate above 30 per cent

MOMBASA,Kenya, Aug 18 – President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Mombasa revised some of the country’s existing COVID-19 containment measures including extending the nationwide curfew across all counties to between 4.00am and 10pm.

Counties including, Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet and Trans Nzoia that had been identified as ‘disease infested zones’ will now observe the revised containment measures.

Kenyatta expressed concern of an exponential rise in infection rates across the country as a result of unrestrained gatherings and congregations, in breach of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

Despite Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe in recent weeks declaring a ban on political events and rallies, politicians including senior government officials have defied the directives, posing the question whether government really is enforcing COVID-19 containment measures as is required or is practicing double standards.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai had equally directed police to enforce the same directives, however in recent weeks, Kenyans have pointed an accusing finger to the police following incidents of police brutality that has resulted in the deaths of Kenyans under the guise of enforcing the rules.

The rising positivity rate according to president Kenyatta is cause for concern particularly as the Delta Variant, which is more communicable and acute is likely to exercabate the current situation.

“In particular, 18 counties have recorded a positivity rate above 20%, and over the last week, the following counties have recorded a positivity rate of above 30%: Kiambu, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Makueni, Machakos, Baringo, Meru, and Nyeri,” said president Kenyatta.

The containment measures reviewed include, the suspension of in-person public gatherings and meetings, including political rallies and campaign meetings for impending by elections for a period of 60 days.

A limit of 100 persons has been set for Kenyans attending social gatherings, including weddings, celebrations of marriage or traditional unions, ceremonies of rites of passage, funeral/cremation ceremonies.

“Places of worship nationwide, shall continue to strictly adhere to the one third (1/3) rule for in person worship and congregational worship, and protocols on hygiene and social distancing in accordance with the guidelines of the Inter Faith Council,” he said.

The operations of bars, restaurants and eateries will continue operating based on the Ministry of Health guidelines issued previously.

On August 18, 2021, 1,506 people tested positive for the COVID-19, this as the country’s positivity rate stands at 15.3 per cent.

A total of 2,054 patients have been admitted across various health facilities nationwide as 8,408 are under home based isolation and care program.

Kenyans are meanwhile being encourage do be vaccinated against the disease with more than 2 million vaccines having already been administered.