Gov’t Extends Quarantine Period for Kenyans in 5 Centers for Defying Social Distancing Order

Kenyans quarantined in five facilities in Nairobi over Covid-19 will have their quarantine period extended by 14 more days, the Health Ministry has said.

This is after the individuals held in these centers were found to have defied social distancing directive and instead had close contact and interactions, according to Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth.

The five facilities include Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), KMTC (Kanu Hostel), KMTC (MG Hostel) and Kenya Water Institute.

“After a thorough evaluation of circumstances, it was observed that those in the following quarantine facilities did not maintain optimal social distance and instead had close contact and interactions,” said Amoth.

As a result of these interactions, Amoth said it is impossible to tell whether all those quarantined in the five facilities are safe, saying it would be risky to set them free.

The affected persons will be tested afresh for Covid-19 once they complete the additional two-week quarantine period.

“Further they are hereby directed to observe all the advice in social distance, hygiene measures and to limit interactions during the period after which a repeat testing for COVID-19 shall be undertaken,” added Amoth.

On Friday, Kenya confirmed 12 more cases of the bug, raising the total number of infections in the country to 246. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the 12 new patients include five hotel workers.

The death toll from the virus stands at 11 while 53 patients have so far recovered from the disease.