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The United States government has issued a health and travel alert to its citizens asking them to reconsider their travel to Kenya due to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.
A statement on the US embassy in Kenya website noted that the Government of Kenya lifted stay-at-home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations, and advised those wishing to travel should review their plans.
This comes as the US set a record for the coronavirus disease globally after hitting more than five million confirmed cases and more than 165,000 deaths.
With one out of every 66 residents infected, the US leads the world in Covid-19 cases.
“The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level three Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to Covid-19,” the alert read in part.
According to the CDC, a?level three Travel Health Notice?is the highest risk level and means one should avoid all non-essential travel.
This notice informs travellers that an outbreak (or in this case the Covid-19 pandemic) is of high risk to them and no precautions are available to protect them against the identified increased risk.
CDC noted that the risk of contracting coronavirus in Kenya is high, and has listed the country among 227 regions on the level three list.
“Travellers at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Kenya,” the notice reads.
It further warns travellers that if they were to get sick in Kenya and need medical care, resources may be limited.
The CDC advises that travel to Kenya should only be undertaken in case of humanitarian aid work, medical reasons or family emergencies.
Among those identified as being at increased risk of falling ill are “older adults, people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, and others at increased risk for severe illness”.
Other African countries on the level three list include Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The US government also warned its citizens to exercise increased caution in Kenya due to “crime, terrorism, health issues and kidnapping”.
“Reconsider travel to Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping. Be especially careful when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime,” the alert reads.
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