Tougher rules as coronavirus cases rise to 15
Zadock Angira, Antony Mwangi and Hillary Mageka
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe yesterday asked Kenyans to stay at home as government announced additional measures to tame the spread of coronavirus.
He said eight more coronavirus cases had been confirmed, bringing the total to 15. He added that new cases involved five Kenyans, two French nationals and a Mexican.
Kagwe, who asked citizens to strictly observe the self-quarantine rule, said the government is tracing 365 individuals who had come into contact with the eight.
Addressing a press conference at Harambee House, the CS said because of majority of people have ignored safety protocols outlined last Friday on social distancing, the government had been forced to ban gatherings in churches and mosques.
He also ordered closure of bars, banned weddings and restricted funerals to family members not exceeding 15.
Other measures outlined by Kagwe, include suspension of all international flights effective Wednesday with the exception of cargo flights whose crew must observe strict guidelines.
“Those coming into the country between now and Wednesday will undergo mandatory quarantine at a government designated facility at their own expense,” said the CS.
Countries wishing to evacuate their nationals, he said, must make their arrangements to do so within this period.
Public Health Act
“Kenyans who are currently in foreign countries, and will not have come back within the period are advised to observe the guidelines issued in the respective countries wherever they are,” he said.
Whereas the government had allowed Kenyans and foreigners with valid residence permits to come in to the country, the CS said some were not self-quarantining.
Consequently, he announced the National Emergency Response Committee had decided that all persons who violate the self-quarantine requirement would be forcibly quarantined for 14 days at their cost, and thereafter, arrested and charged under the Public Health Act.
This is the case with Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi who allegedly refused to self quarantine on returning from Germany.
Effective last midnight, the CS announced that all bars will remain closed until further notice.
However, restaurants are to remain open but only for purposes of facilitating takeaway services.
“This is meant to secure the social distance requirement, noting the increased risk of transmission these facilities cause,” he said.
Kagwe added:“These directives take effect immediately until further notice.”
The CS said the response council was looking for about 363 people who came into contact with the eight.
“Some of them were tourists who have visited the national parks, clubs and hotels where they interacted with many people. These are the people we are looking for,” he said
Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho directed officials of the National Government Administration officers, including the Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners to assistant chiefs, to ensure that all directives are adhered to.
“If you are found with an open church in your area, disciplinary action will be taken. We shall enforce this without mercy,” said Kibicho
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said officers on leave had been recalled to ensure effective enforcement.
“The role of the police is law enforcement. Our officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the safety regulations. We will do that to the letter,” he said.
Kagwe said the disease is serious and urged Kenyans to comply with guidelines to safeguard live.
He warned public service vehicles operators who defy the directives given last week on social distancing that they will have their licences revoked.
“We are taking this thing very seriously but some of you are holding us back. We will revoke those licences and this is not a joke,” he said.
Isiolo Governor Mohammed Kuti, who is the chair of the Health Committee in the Council of Governors, said counties had also established coronavirus rapid response units.
“All governors should communicate to the electorate to avoid unnecessary movement during this period,” Kuti said
Though there is no official and specific legislation, those who knowingly spread the virus through acts or omissions will held criminally liable.
The Health ministry has said the suspects may be charged with offences under the Public Health Act and the Penal Code.
Sections 28, 29 and 30, for example, of the Public Health Act provides for offences related to the spreading infectious diseases.
Violators may also be charged with criminal negligence, under the Penal Code, which involves doing anything that shows reckless disregard for the lives or safety of other people.
Notify conductor
The charges may, however, be enhanced if the victims succumb to the disease.
Section 28 of the Act states: “Any person who, while suffering from any infectious disease, wilfully exposes himself without proper precautions against spreading the disease shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding thirty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.”
The same punishment will also be meted against any person in charge of the infected person who exposes such person.
Anyone selling or giving clothing or any item which have been exposed to infection without disinfecting them also risk similar punishment.
To prevent the spread in vehicles, the Act also requires any person suffering from any infectious disease to notify the conductor or owner of a building before they enter any vehicle or building.
All drivers and conductors of passenger vehicle and any other means of transport are expected to immediately provide for the disinfection of such vehicles on learning that a person suffering from infectious disease boarded such conveyance.
Any person who fails to do so risks a fine not exceeding Sh40,000.
