Speaking during a press briefing at State House, the president stated the mapping exercise, increased testing and more exact contact tracing would inform how the economy would reopen progressively.
The head of state further revealed that the government would allow a few restaurants and eateries that would adhere to the government directives set to curb the spread of Covid-19.
President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the nation at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
PSCU
“We will allow a few restaurants and eateries that show the highest levels of health regulation compliance, and the ability to arrange for employee testing, to undertake minimal operations while maintaining measures that mitigate against the spread of the coronavirus,” he stated.
He added that the Cabinet Secretary for Health Mutahi Kagwe would announce and release the protocols.
Uhuru warned that any report by the public or authorities indicating that the establishments were not following the measures would lead to instant closure.
“We will reopen this economy but it must be in a way that does not endanger thousands of lives.Â
“Some countries had initially succeeded in suppressing the pandemic, only for them to open up without a proper process and suffer a huge spike in infections,” he stated.
The president’s sentiments came a day after Treasury CS Ukur Yattani disclosed that the government was discussing measures on how it would open a number of businesses that have been affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19).
In an interview by Citizen TV, Yattani stated that some of the businesses that would be allowed to open soon were restaurants.
“If the problem continues like this, we would start thinking about how we will mitigate the economy without compromising the health of our people,” he had stated.
On Sunday, March 15, the government directed bars to close and restaurants to offer take away services only.
