Curfew violators isolated

More than 300 people who violated curfew hours and others who attended parties in contravention of rules to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic have been forced into quarantine in Nairobi.

Those sent to the isolation centres for 14 days were found taking alcohol in private premises, open fields and bars, hosting parties, attending weddings, trying to break the partial lockdown rule in Nairobi and operating outside the curfew hours.

Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said the individuals were detained in various police cells and later transferred to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) where they will be quarantined for at least 14 days.

“People need to take this thing seriously. If the government says no meetings it means so. And if you are told not to move from Nairobi to other counties unless you are permitted, please oblige. We have over 300 people who are going into quarantine,” he said.

Ndolo said the government has enough centres to hold those who violate the rules and called for compliance. Bar owners who also allow revellers into their premises were put on notice.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board CEO Daniel Yumbya warned those caught breaking the law will be quarantined at their own cost.

“Nairobians have not been cooperative at all; so far 146 persons are being quarantined at KMTC and there may be an additional 60 or more who were rounded up last night. Those who were drinking in an ambulance will be put in mandatory quarantine too,” he said.

Dr Yumbya said there are 54 quarantine centres across the country after six more were launched at the weekend. So far, over 2,000 people have been released from mandatory quarantine.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi on Sunday announced that Kenyans found outside of their houses during the curfew period will be assumed to have contacted suspected cases of coronavirus and hence placed under quarantine.