This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, Machakos County Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua announced that the ban on the delivery of alcohol in the county would be lifted starting next week, May 26.
The decision comes with a condition: residents must adhere to the Ministry of Health's guidelines on social distancing when enjoying their drinks.
Dr. Mutua emphasized the need to stop the practice of gathering in closed bars, which he said was a major contributor to the spread of the virus.
“We stopped temporarily the distribution of alcohol because it was coming, standing outside bars, bars were closed but stock was being delivered every day,” Dr. Mutua explained.
He added that the county would allow alcohol trucks to enter targeted areas, but not closed bars, to ensure that people could enjoy their drinks while maintaining social distance.
Dr. Mutua expressed his support for the national government's efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus and highlighted the county's own measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including frequent handwashing and sanitizing.
