This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
Covid-19: Kenya Closes Tanzania, Somalia Borders ¶
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the closure of borders with Tanzania and Somalia as cross-border Covid-19 infections continued to rise.
The President extended the restrictions on movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Mandera counties by 21 days over fears of cross-county infections.
According to President Kenyatta, the closure of the borders was necessitated by an increase in the number of 'imported' Covid-19 cases.
He stated, 'In the past one week, we have witnessed increased imported cases among individuals crossing into the country through our borders. These areas have become of grave concern.'
The restrictions exempted cargo trucks, but their drivers must undergo compulsory Covid-19 tests and be declared negative before being allowed through the border posts.
Kenya registered 49 new cases, bringing the national tally to 830, the highest number of new cases reported in a day since March 13.
Five more people succumbed to the virus, raising the death tally to 50.
President Kenyatta commended health workers for their commitment in the fight against the pandemic and thanked other dedicated and skilled Kenyans who are working to keep infections low.
He also thanked the tens of millions of Kenyans who are adhering to the health, hygiene, and social distancing measures.
However, the decision to restrict movement was faulted by medical doctors, who said it was not based on any health or scientific consideration.
Kenya Medical Association (KMA) leaders noted that the restriction would have entailed proper community entry, massive testing within those areas, and development of a strategy for containing the infection effectively.
