Decrease in Kenyan COVID Cases Leads to Reopenings

·        As confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to decrease in Kenya, Moi University prepares to welcome back 6th year medical and post-graduate students.

·         Despite the lower number of confirmed cases when compared to the US and Europe, the economic, health and educational impacts of the pandemic will endure, especially among Kenyans in the informal sector who have lost wages or their livelihoods.

·         As of September 30, Kenya has confirmed 38,529 cases of COVID-19 and 711 deaths due to the coronavirus.

·         On Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced several updates to the COVID-19 mitigation measures in place including:

— Extension of the dusk to dawn curfew (now 11 p.m.-4 a.m.) for an additional 60 days.

—Bars can reopen and sales of alcohol in restaurants can resume. Bars, restaurants and eateries must close by 10 p.m. and strictly comply with Ministry of Health protocols.

—Capacity for religious gatherings increased to 1/3 of the seating capacity of the venue also with strict compliance to MOH protocols. Up to 200 people may attend weddings and funerals.

—Preparations for reopening schools in accordance with health guidelines continues. A new calendar will be announced after consultation with the education sector.

—Further tax relief measures were under consideration.

·         Indiana University’s long-term faculty are eager to return to their Kenyan homes and plan to do so when details related to travel, acquisition of PPE and other criteria for a safe return are met. Kenya currently requires a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours of arrival and a two-week quarantine upon arrival.

·         AMPATH’s care, training and research programs are increasingly returning to normal operations. COVID-19 safety measures such as increased handwashing facilities, mask wearing and social distancing are in place.