This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenyan government is weighing new guidelines to protect vulnerable populations. According to Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman, people over 60 and those with underlying medical conditions will be required to wear medical masks in public if the Ministry of Health adopts new guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO).
These new guidelines, which are yet to be adopted, are in line with WHO's latest recommendations on masking. Dr. Aman emphasized that individuals with low immunity, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of contracting the virus and should take extra precautions.
Under the proposed guidelines, individuals with underlying conditions, including caregivers of patients under the home-based program, will be required to wear N95 medical masks when in public places. Dr. Aman noted that these masks are most effective in areas where community transmission of the virus is high and physical distancing is impossible.
However, the government is still analyzing the recommendations and has not yet decided to adopt them. If implemented, the government will provide the necessary medical masks to those affected. Dr. Aman acknowledged that there is a global shortage of N95 medical masks, but emphasized that they can provide a barrier for potentially infectious droplets.
