This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On Saturday, May 9, 2020, the Kenyan government introduced a raft of new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Nairobi's Eastleigh and Mombasa's Old Town.
According to a press briefing by Health Ministry CAS Dr. Rashid Aman, the measures are aimed at accelerating the flattening of the COVID-19 curve.
The new measures include the prohibition of hawking, gatherings of any nature, and the continued closure of malls, markets, restaurants, and eateries in the two areas.
These measures come after a previous directive declaring the cessation of movement in and out of the two areas, which have now emerged as the country's COVID-19 'areas of concern.'
Dr. Aman warned restaurant and eatery owners who have reopened their establishments without following government directives on social distancing and mandatory testing of employees that action will be taken against them.
'I am warning against non-compliance and state that action will be taken against those who fail to follow the protocols provided by the government,' Dr. Aman said.
He expressed worry that Kenyans are quick to return to their normal lives, citing the laxity witnessed in the country within recent weeks.
'In Nairobi, the malls and supermarkets are fully packed. Considering that we are fighting this disease, this is very dangerous behavior and can very easily reverse the gains that we have achieved,' Dr. Aman observed.
