GOVT Calls for Return of Mandatory Mask Wearing
Following a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, the government through the Ministry of Health Dr. Mutahi Kagwe, has ordered the reinstatement of mandatory mask-wearing while in public places.
Christine Juma 
According to Kagwe, the new move aimed at curbing the 6th wave wreaking havoc across the country. He further warned of more stringent measures if the situation deteriorates.
On Monday, June 20, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said that all Kenyans will be obliged to wear masks in restricted spaces such as matatus, churches, offices, malls, and supermarkets, among other places.
The regulation, however, will not apply to Kenyans who are walking or jogging in open public locations.
"One is required to wear a mask when in contact with other people in closed, confined spaces such as PSVs, aircraft, offices, supermarkets, market places, and places of worship.
Health CS MUtahi Kagwe. PHOTO TWITTER
"All person indoor meetings to continue at full capacity of the venue but provided that people take measures to be fully vaccinated in order to do so. We are not restricting in-person worship. We also require worshipers to wear their face masks while inside the places of worship," Kagwe stated.
Ths new announcement comes after the Ministry of Heath ahd recorded 246 news cases of covid 19 from a sample size of 2,484 tests.
The country`s daily positivity rate now stands at 9.9 percent.
On March 11th the health CS Mutahi Kagwe announced the lifting of the mandatory wearing of face masks while in public places.
Kagwe CS noted that Kenyans were no longer required to wear masks in public places but were to be required to do so when visiting government offices or using Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
"There has been a lot of debate and discussions in the use of face masks as one of the measures. Wearing of masks in public places is now lifted," Kagwe stated during a press briefing at Afya House.
He also announced the resumption of full in-person worship for vaccinated persons.
"All in-person worship resumes to full capacity as long as all congregants and worshippers are vaccinated. In terms of in-country transport, all PSVs, trains, and domestic flight operators may resume at full capacity. However, the PSVs, trains, and air flight operators are to ensure that their staff is fully vaccinated while all travelers should have their face masks at all times during their course of travel," Kagwe stated.
Mutahi added that the move to drop the containment measures came after a series of observations, research, and a drop in the infection level in the country. He, however, noted that the measures would be reviewed at any time.
CS Mutahi Kagwe: No traveller should come into the country until they are fully vaccinated and fully boosted. ^MM pic.twitter.com/nfzV9VFyzE
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) June 20, 2022
