President Uhuru Kenyatta is umping up measures to ensure the spread of the coronavirus is minimal.
According to a new statement, the Head of State of the Republic of Kenya announced, “The National Security Council of the Republic of Kenya has today sanctioned and caused the issuance of Public Order No. 1 on the Coronavirus pandemic with the following key aspects. Effective Friday 27th March 2020, there will be a daily curfew from 7pm to 5am in the morning.”
Kenyans have taken to social media reacting to the new measures announced by the President. And in K.O.T fashion, the containment measures have turned to humor, lightening the mood as fears continue to rise.
Some have taken to Twitter to share their essentials as they self-isolate.
Starter pack ya quarantine 😂 I can't kill myself ohh #CurfewinKenya #COVID19KE
📷|: Courtesy pic.twitter.com/agwlYMoNaA— GARVIN MUNGAI ™ (@garvin_mungai) March 26, 2020
While others have noted testing is paramount.
Any politician tested positive to COVID-19 should be taken to the primary health care facility in his constituency.#CurfewinKenya #Kenyans #ThursdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/g2XiQJs1xf— Joel Mulwa 🇰🇪 (@mulwa_joe) March 26, 2020
And as the public laments on the effects of the curfew on their economy, it is clear that the government has to do more to sustain the lives of its citizens, including the millions who leave below the poverty line.
A very great idea that can help Mama Mboga to deal with current Economic Crisis #CurfewinKenya pic.twitter.com/S7meSiiWQt— MAMO SHAMO (@Mamo1075) March 26, 2020 FAMILIES have lost jobs. Businesses have unpaid invoices. They'll be no salary because you've been sent on unpaid leave. Everyone's broke so you can't borrow. You think it's over. But wait, how can it be over unless the Lord has had the last word? #CurfewinKenya pic.twitter.com/ZEfJPCU2Dz— Steve Ogolla (@steveogollaw) March 26, 2020
Pres. Uhuru has pointed out he and his deputy William Ruto will take an 80% pay cut to help funnel more funds to the coronavirus task force. But many think more can be done.
I spoke to economist @IEAKwame and he explained to me how the government can support everyone for five months. Here is what citizens can do, the president and parliament can do now and in the coming months. You can read the full post here: https://t.co/gUgVQRriob #CurfewinKenya pic.twitter.com/2qArocRyDH— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) March 26, 2020
The curfew is in place to limit movement across the country, in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. With 19 people now positive with COVID-19, it is critical that the public remains vigilant to contain the virus.
Some warn that the curfew is only a precursor to a lock down; to avoid overwhelming the poorly equipped healthcare facilities, should the deadly virus spread.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the public is urged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, sanitize and cover their nose and mouth when and if they sneeze. According to the Ministry of Health, coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, sneezing, headache and difficulty breathing. It was announced 31 persons have now tested positive for the highly infectious virus as of 26th March 2020.
If one suspects they may have the virus, one is encouraged to dial 719.
