Kenya Confirms 2 More Coronavirus Cases [VIDEO]

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks at Healthcare Convention Expo and Conference at Sarit Centre, Nairobi on Monday, March 9, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks at Healthcare Convention Expo and Conference at Sarit Centre, Nairobi on Monday, March 9, 2020
PSCU

The Government of Kenya on Sunday, March 15, confirmed two more cases of Coronavirus in Kenya, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in Kenya to three.

President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that of the 27 people who came into contact with the first confirmed patient, two had tested positive for the virus.

A 27-year-old Kenyan who traveled to Nairobi from the US via London, UK had been confirmed as the first case on Friday, March 13.

A medical practitioner dressed in protective gear at Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
A medical practitioner dressed in protective gear at Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
KENYANS.CO.KE

"We did state that we traced 27 persons who came into contact with the first patient. We have since tested all 27 people at our National Influenza Center and today we have received confirmation of two more cases of the Coronavirus.

"The two have tested positive as a result of coming into contact with the first patient. Our health officials have already moved them into Kenyatta National Hospital's isolation facility," he stated.

He revealed that the two patients were in stable condition in isolation.

Uhuru disclosed a raft of measures taken to ensure Kenyans' safety at a press conference held at his Harambee House office.

School Closure

Among other things, the president announced that learning in all institutions in the country was suspended.

"We have suspended learning in all our institutions with immediate effect," he declared.

Day schools were given until Monday, March 16, to suspend learning with boarding schools given up to Wednesday, March 18.

Universities and other tertiary learning institutions are to suspend learning by Friday, March 20, for an indefinite period.

Travel Ban

He further announced the suspension of entry into Kenya for travellers from all countries with confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.

"The government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases. 

"Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid resident's permits will be allowed to come in provided they proceed on self-quarantine or to a government-designated quarantine facility. This will take effect within the next 48 hours to cater for any passengers who may be en route.

"This directive will remain in effect for the next thirty days or as varied by the National Emergency Response Committe," he stated.

Work From Home

Uhuru also called for organisations including government agencies to allow employees to work from home.

"Where possible, government offices, businesses and companies are encouraged to allow employees to work from home with the exception of employees working in critical or essential services," he asserted.

The president further encouraged Kenyans to adopt cashless transactions in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus through exchange and handling of physical cash.

“We appeal to mobile operators and banks to take note of the situation we are in and to reduce the cost of transactions during this period,” he stated.

He also commended a number of county governments that had already set up isolation wards within their counties, noting that the national government was working closely with the devolved units to deal with the Coronavirus.

"I want to assure Kenyans that any patient who has come into contact with this disease will be given full support to ensure that they recover," he announced.

Watch a video of Uhuru's press conference below: