The government of Kenya has declared the failure to wear a face mask in public as a punishable offense.
As a result, all users of public and private transport, as well as matatu operators, are required to wear a mask that must cover the mouth and nose, according to a gazette notice published in the local dailies by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
The notice states that anyone who contravenes this rule commits an offense that attracts a fine of Sh20,000 or a jail term of up to six months.
“A person who commits an offense under these Rules shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh.20,000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both,” the notice states.
The notice further directs all organizations, business entities, and traders in a market or enclosed premises to provide water and soap to customers or an approved alcohol-based sanitizer to wash their hands.
In addition, they are required to put up measures that ensure customers maintain social distancing as well as sanitize their premises on a regular basis. Those who fail to comply with this rule also risk Sh20,000 fine or imprisonment of up to six months.
“The Cabinet Secretary may exempt any person from the provisions of the Rules on such terms and conditions as he shall certify in writing,” the gazette notice reads.
These are some of the measures the government has put in place to stem the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Kenya has so far recorded 184 cases of Covid-19, with 12 patients recovering and seven losing their lives to the virus.
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