The Kenyan government has taken proactive measures in the fight against coronavirus with the latest being suspending flights from North Italy – Milan and Verona – from flying to the Kenyan Coast.
In the directive dated March 3, 2020, the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus (NERCC ) steered by the new Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said it has discussed the matter with stakeholders through the Italian Embassy.
In a statement from the committee read by Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna, the government stated that “Following Consultations with the Italian Embassy and Stake Holders, the National Emergency Response Committee on Corona Virus (NERCC) has concluded that flights from the North of Italy, specifically Verona and Milan which usually has direct chartered flights to our coast be suspended effective March 3rd, 2020.”
Oguna added that the response team will continue keeping a close watch on the coronavirus scourge citing that the State is not leaving anything to chance.
The northern part of Italy has reportedly been hit hard by the scourge with reports of its citizens ailing from coronavirus.
Last week on Friday, President Uhuru Kenyatta established NERCC with the sole mandate of insulating the country from coronavirus attacks.
Uhuru also tasked NERCC with charting a roadmap for preparedness, prevention and swift response to the disease that has so far killed more than 3,000 people across the world.
“The team will coordinate the capacity building of medical personnel and other professionals,” he said.
The government through the Judiciary has since suspended flights from China which is the epicentre of coronavirus following public uproar after a Chinese Southern Airlines-owned plane flew in 239 Chinese nationals last week.
