Kenya Confirms 8 New Coronavirus Cases, Number of Infections Jump to 15

Eight more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Kenya, bringing the total number of infections to 15.

This was announced on Sunday by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during a media briefing at Harambee House, Nairobi.

CS Kagwe said the eight patients include five Kenyans and three foreign nationals who traveled to Kenya recently. The foreigners are two French citizens and one Mexican national.

“All the eight came through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport between March 4 and March 17 and they have all been isolated at various facilities and are being monitored by our teams,” he noted.

He indicated that the government is tracing 363 persons believed to have had contact with the eight new patients.

“All the patients except the one who is at the Coast in Msambweni are in stable condition. The government is organizing to have the patient in Msambweni airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment,” said Kagwe.

As a result, CS Kagwe has ordered the suspension of all international passenger flights effective Wednesday, March 25th.

“Countries wishing to evacuate their nationals must make arrangements within this time period,” he said.

Further to this, Kagwe warned that persons who violate the self-quarantine regulations will be quarantined by force at their own cost and thereafter arrested and charged.

All burial gatherings have also been banned except for close family members. Churches, mosques, bars, and nightclubs have been ordered to close with restaurants required to only offer takeaway services.

CS Kagwe has warned that Kenya could go the way of Italy if Kenyans continue to ignore the guidelines issued by the government.

“Behaving normal under these conditions is like having a death wish,” said Kagwe.