Kenya: Authorities extend suspension of international flights through July 6 /update 22

Event

Kenyan authorities have extended the suspension of international passenger flights through to July 6 to further curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19); both cargo and repatriation flights are exempt from this measure. Authorities also announced that a nationwide overnight curfew will remain in place until July 7, lasting between 21:00 and 04:00 (local time). Medical professionals and essential service providers are exempt from the curfew.

On Saturday, June 6, the restrictions of road, rail, and air movements in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, and Mombasa and Mandera Counties, were extended for 30 days. As such, no movement into or out of the two zones will be permitted for the duration of the measures, and public spaces will remain closed. The same restrictions will be lifted for the neighborhoods of Eastleigh (Nairobi) and Old Town (Mombasa), and Kwale and Kilifi Counties, on June 7 at 04:00.

Face masks or coverings must be worn at all times when in public and a distance of 1 m (3 ft) maintained from other people. Businesses have been ordered to provide soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer at building entryways. Those found in breach of the new measures could face a Sh 20,000 (USD 189) fine or six months of jail time.

As of June 6, there have been 2600 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 83 associated deaths nationwide. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease. 

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