This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
June 16, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenyan government has extended restaurants' operating hours to 7:30pm in a bid to boost the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the extension, citing restaurants' compliance with COVID-19 protocols. According to Kagwe, the decision was made after assessing the restaurants' adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
“Appreciating that indeed they have been observing the rule, appreciating that restaurants have been observing the protocols, and arising out of those discussions and observing restaurant behavior the National Emergency Response Committee has directed that hours of business for restaurants will be extended to 7:30pm,” Kagwe said.
However, Kagwe warned that any establishment found violating the COVID-19 regulations will be ordered closed and their license taken away.
With the extension, restaurants will be required to continue adhering to the protocols set out by the government. Kagwe emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that public health officials in respective areas will conduct regular inspections to ensure that the guidelines are followed.
“Public health officials in their respective areas are required to ensure that these guidelines are complied with. They are also required to conduct regular inspection of the facilities and any operator found not to follow the guidelines will have their licenses and certificates to operate revoked permanently,” Kagwe said.
Kenya has reported 133 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 3,860. The new cases were detected from 3,255 samples tested since Monday. The country has also reported 40 recoveries and one death, bringing the total death toll to 105.
