Kenya unveiled a series of strict measures to curb coronavirus on Sunday, blocking entry to the country to all except citizens and residents and shutting schools as the number of confirmed cases rose to three.
In an address to the nation, President Uhuru Kenyatta said two people who had come into contact with a 27-year-old Kenyan patient “have tested positive” and been moved into an isolation facility.
“The government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases,” he said.
“Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid resident permits will be allowed to come into the country provided they proceed on self-quarantine or in a government quarantine facility.”
Kenyatta said this would come into effect in the next 48 hours and would remain in place for 14 days.
Every foreigner who has entered the country in the past 14 days has been ordered to self-quarantine.
In addition from Monday, all primary and secondary schools are to close, with boarding schools and universities to shut by the end of the week. All companies have been urged to allow employees to work from home.
“I want to assure you that my administration is at the forefront of managing this pandemic,” Kenyatta said.
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said the two new patients had sat next to the first as she travelled back from the United States via London had tested positive. One is Kenyan and one holds dual Kenyan-British nationality.