This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Published on July 5, 2020, Sarova Stanley's Thorn Tree Cafe has been shut down following a COVID-19 outbreak among its staff.
The hotel's management has taken swift action, implementing health, safety, and compliance protocols to contain the spread of the virus. This includes fumigation and disinfection of the entire hotel, as well as reapplying for a new operating permit from the Ministry of Health in accordance with their COVID-19 protocols.
Thorn Tree Cafe is not the only high-end establishment affected by the pandemic. Other notable hotels and restaurants, such as Weston Hotel, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Ole-Sereni Hotel, and EMARA Ole-Sereni, DusitD2 Nairobi, Sopa Lodges, White Rhino Hotel in Nyeri, and Maiyan in Nanyuki, have also been impacted.
However, some hotel chains have begun to reopen their doors. Hemmingways, for instance, has reopened its Nairobi and Watamu properties after a four-month closure due to the pandemic. While the hotel has fully reopened its rooms, restaurants, spa, and other amenities, there are still limitations in place due to COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.
