NEW RULES FOR UNVACCINATED KENYANS

The government, through the Ministry of Health, has now announced stricter measures for unvaccinated people as COVID-19 infections in Kenya marked a spike.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, in a press address on Wednesday, said 3,328 people tested positive for COVID-19 from 11,197 samples.

Dr. Mwangangi also stated that the country’s positivity rate hit 29.7 per cent, further that 9.2 million Kenyans have so far been vaccinated, slightly under a million shy of the 10 million target.

The new cases mark a new high for the country, prompting the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC) on the coronavirus to institute new measures.

“With the increase of infections following the onset of the Omicron variant, we still find that those who are vaccinated perform better against the disease. All adults in the country should be vaccinated in the shortest time possible to ensure that we have as many people as possible protected from severe disease,” said Dr. Mwangangi.

The CAS stated that henceforth, everybody seeking in-person government services should have taken the double jab and show proof of vaccination wither in hard copy or digital format.

She noted that proof of vaccination will also be needed in public places such as national parks, game reserves, hotels, bars, restaurants, as well in public transport means among them domestic flights, trains, and PSVs.

Dr. Mwangangi said all visitors, tourists and travelers from Europe must be fully vaccinated and provide proof before entry into the country.

The government will require proof of vaccination during organized events, weddings, funerals, receptions, parties, conferences, sports, trade fairs, and workshops.

Hotels, restaurants and cafes that offer table service as well as pubs, bars, movie theatres, supermarkets and shopping malls have been directed to demand proof of vaccination from any citizen that wishes to access the premises.

All workers and service providers at these premises are also required to have undergone vaccination and in possession of their certificates.

The CAS however noted that an exemption on vaccination must be issued only by a licensed medical provider, and that children below the age of 5 will be exempted from the PCR tests.

In the event of non-compliance, Dr. Mwangangi said, establishments may have their licences withdrawn.

Courtesy Citizen Digital