Matatus ordered to carry half capacity to curb coronavirus spread

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has ordered 14-seater matatus to carry a maximum of eight passengers to curb the spread of coronavirus disease that has claimed over 10,000 lives globally.

Twenty-five seater buses will carry 15 passengers as the country tries to arrest the infection cases.

Vehicles that carry more than 30 should carry a 60 per cent less.

So far, there are only seven confirmed coronavirus cases in the country.

Speaking on Friday, Kagwe said the coming week is crucial but can be contained if the public adheres to measures set up by the Health ministry.

The CS was with Government Spokesperson Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna and Nairobi Metropolitan Services director-general Major-General Mohamed Abdalla.

Kagwe said if the virus is not contained it may hurt the economy.

Additional precautions mentioned included an order that all entertainment centres and bars be closed by 7.30pm starting Monday.

Facilities should define the number of people that can be hosted at 1.5m apart.

The recommendations from the Emergency Response Committee stated that eateries may remain open but maintain social distancing.

Supermarket visits

Supermarkets were ordered to limit the number of shoppers in the premises at a given time.

The 1.5m apart rule applies in the supermarkets and minimarts as well based on the premises size.

The queues must be established to manage the shoppers, giving special treatment to the elderly and people living with disability.

Kagwe advised citizens and shops to embrace home delivery.

To maintain high levels of hygiene, shopping outlets have been asked to disinfect several tiems a day.

"Where feasible supermarkets should open for 24hrs and upon request may be given additional security by the government."

Shoppers are advised against going to the outlets as a family.

Kagwe said open air markets need to observe high levels of hygiene as they are risky environments.

Local market managers were asked to ensure food, especially vegetables, are placed on raised platforms.

The Health CS said garbage should be collected daily to ensure cleanliness.

In the same breath, he added that on Saturday there will be a fumigation exercise at Gikomba market.

The county governments have also been asked to prioritise garbage collection and set up soap and clean water points.

Kagwe allayed fears that markets would be closed. He said they would remain open as long as traders observe high levels of cleanliness and social distancing.