This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On May 21, 2020, the Kenya-Tanzania border was closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus between the two East African states.
Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata toured villages that straddle the border, asking communities to support public health measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Elungata emphasized that the border closure was necessary due to the increasing number of imported Covid-19 cases and was not meant to punish anyone or undermine cross-border trade.
While on a tour of Shimoni, Vanga, Wasini, and Lunga Lunga border towns in Kwale County, Elungata stated that the border was closed for human traffic to limit the cross-border spread of the virus.
He noted that the closure only exempted cargo trucks, whose drivers must undergo mandatory Covid-19 tests and only be allowed through the border posts when they test negative.
“Anybody else has no business to attempt to cross the border as long as the closure is in place,” Elungata said.
He advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travels, as border regions were increasingly becoming Covid-19 hotspots.
Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Vanga ward Yusuf Mbwana expressed disappointment that some residents still did not believe the virus was a significant threat, despite the pandemic wreaking havoc on the economy.
