Bars, Clubs Shut Down as 8 More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media outside Harambee House on March 22, 2020.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media outside Harambee House on March 22, 2020.
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The government on Sunday, March 22 ordered the closure of all bars and clubs in the country effective midnight to curb the spread of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Kenya.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement following the confirmation of eight more cases of the virus in the country.

Restaurants and eateries were also affected as they were directed to only serve takeaway orders.

The National Police Service (NPS) is expected to play a key role in enforcing the directives in the coming week.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media outside Harambee House on March 22, 2020.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media outside Harambee House on March 22, 2020.
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Kagwe was accompanied to the press conference by Principal Secretary, State Department Of Interior, Karanja Kibicho and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai who echoed his sentiments.

Kagwe observed that Kenyans seemed not to be taking seriously the directives issued by the state on precautionary measures meant to contain the pandemic.

"We have noticed that majority of our people have continued to ignore our measures, continuing as if it is business as usual. We must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

"In the coming week, you will observe enforcement measures that the government will be taking. Kenyans, Corona is not a joke! Stay at home!" the cabinet secretary warned.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country rose to fifteen following the announcement; with five Kenyans, two French nationals and one Mexican among the eight new patients.

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Kagwe stated that authorities were tracking down 363 individuals who might have come into contact with the infected individuals.

Churches, mosques and shrines were also directed to suspend all their gatherings immediately in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In another major declaration, Kagwe stated that all international flights into the country would be banned, with the exception of cargo flights.

"All international flights suspended effective Wednesday 25, at midnight," he announced.

A tourist is screened for Coronavirus at the Port of Mombasa on February 13, 2020
A tourist is screened for Coronavirus at the Port of Mombasa on February 13, 2020
Daily Nation