This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
As Kenya grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, over 400 people have been placed on mandatory two-week quarantine for defying a national curfew order imposed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 20, 2020.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the measure, stating that security forces were working closely with public health officials to ensure anyone found outside after the curfew hours is taken in for quarantine.
“Once you are out during curfew hours, it is assumed that you have been exposed to the disease,” Kagwe warned, as he announced 11 new positive cases for the virus, taking the total number of infections to 281.
With 14 people having succumbed to the virus, the government has designated 33 active quarantine facilities across the country.
Mass testing has kicked off in various parts of the country, with the focus now shifted to protecting those on the frontline, including health workers.
“Our success on treatment is highly dependent on our ability to protect our health workers,” Kagwe emphasized, highlighting the government's efforts to distribute personal protection kits and other essential equipment.
