Covid-19: in Kenya, restrictions are easing but schools remain closed
A health worker provides hydroalcoholic gel to a man in the house of the first Kenyan diagnosed positive for Covid-19.
March 12, 2020 in Nairobi.
Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Kenya organized this Monday, September 28, a major national conference on Covid-19.
A rally wanted by the Head of State to take stock of the situation and learn from the epidemic as the curve flattens (700 dead, 38,168 patients), as the number of new cases is falling and that the country opens up.
At the end of the debates, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation.
He announced further easing of restrictions, but he is keeping schools closed.
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Uhuru Kenyatta wants to
stay on his guard
until the end.
The positivity rate fell from 13% in June to less than 5%.
"
We would all be tempted to celebrate this trend, but these figures are a paradox
",
declared the Kenyan president, for whom
"
the greatest danger arises when one is close to victory
".
Thus, in the school sector, many were waiting for him to announce a reopening of schools.
Some establishments were even preparing for a resumption of classes, with meetings of teachers.
But Uhuru Kenyatta chose caution.
“
The lives and health of our children cannot be debated.
The schools will reopen when we can guarantee their safety,
”said the Kenyan president.
He therefore instructed the Ministry of Education to define the conditions for resumption and to propose a timetable.
Authorization for bars and restaurants
On the other hand, the Head of State has again
eased the restrictions
linked to Covid-19, making it possible to relieve certain economic actors.
The curfew is extended by 60 days, but its amplitude is reduced, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
After six months of closure, the bars are finally allowed to reopen.
Bars and restaurants will be able to operate until 10 p.m. and will be allowed to sell alcohol.
Religious ceremonies can accommodate more participants.
200 people at funerals and burials, for example, instead of 100.
Tax cuts, both income tax and corporate tax, are also maintained.
Uhuru Kenyatta has repeatedly warned of a second wave, even though, he says, the country is now much better armed than in March.
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Kenya
Uhuru Kenyatta
Coronavirus
Health and medicine