Nov 04, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — President Kenyatta today issued a new directive that Kenyans should follow to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenyatta said the decision was taken due to increased infections and deaths, which had gone up since August when some of the tough restrictions were lifted.
“The positivity rate has shot up four times from September,” the president said, declaring October as the “most tragic month in our fight against COVID-19.”
He said “we are now staring at a second wave of the pandemic” and urged all Kenyans to strictly follow regulations issued by the Ministry of Health.
Kenyatta ordered all Cabinet members to scale down all in-person engagements adding that they must engage through virtual means where possible.
He also directed all State and Public officers aged above 58 years, or who are immune-compromised, to work remotely with the exemption of those serving the nation in critical sectors.
Schools which were closed in March will now reopen in January 2021 but Form Four, Class Eight and Grade 4 Examinations will proceed. Learners for these classes resumed learning in October,
“With respect to examination classes which have resumed classes, they will continue under strict health safety measures,” the president said.
Kenyatta urged MPs to engage CDF boards to augment existing interventions geared towards the reopening of schools. Focus on additional hand-washing points, provision of facemasks and general sanitation in schools.
All political gatherings and rallies are suspended for a period of 60 days, effective immediately.
The restrictions dictate that anyone wishing to hold such meetings to do so in town halls and limit attendees to one-third to the sitting capacity of the hall.
Other directives that the president gave include the extension of curfew to January 3, 2021 and curfew hours to between 10pm and 4am.
All bars, restaurants and other establishments open to the public must close by 9pm
All hotels, restaurants and bars, eateries operators to do all that is necessary to ensure enhanced compliance with Covid-19 protocols.
Kenyatta also launched a new campaign dubbed – No Mask, No Service, “bila barakoa hakuna huduma”.
The president gave the directive after holding a meeting with the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC) at State House, Nairobi.
