The Ministry of Health has allowed the reopening of hotels in the country only if the proprietors pledge to adhere to a set of strict measures set by the government.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe on Monday while briefing Kenyans at Afya House said one of the conditions set by the ministry is ensuring physical distance is kept at all times in the restaurant.
Another condition is that all staff in the hotels which will reopen must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test to ascertain that they are virus-free.
He also said that the hotels are only allowed to operate between 5 am and 4 pm as the dusk to dawn curfew is still in force.
“The restaurants will operate between 5am and 4pm, not later than that…because, after that, it becomes difficult for the people to get home for curfew,” he directed.
Tables in the restaurants will be placed 1.5 m apart and the customer will maintain a similar distance all the time.
Hotels will, however, not be allowed to offer a buffet or self-service.
Kagwe said in line with other hygiene measures set, all customers must wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before walking into the hotel.
Besides offering food, restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol as well but bars shall remain closed indefinitely.
“We have also said that this is not a license to start opening bars, alcohol shall only be sold to those having meals in a normal manner in a restaurant…we have not opened bars,” the Health CS reiterated.
Kagwe also said that eight more cases have been confirmed raising the tally to 363.
Four cases were reported in Nairobi while another four were reported in Mombasa, the two hotspot area in the country.
Eight more people were discharged bringing the total number of recovered patients to 114.
