Nightlife presents opportunities that increase the risk of transmission — Dr. Githinji Gitahi

AMREF Health Africa Group CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi on Monday stated that the reopening of bars and other entertainment joints might result in higher transmission rates of Covid-19. Speaking during a television interview, Dr Gitahi added that he is not fully convinced that the curve has flattened.

“The night presents opportunities that increase the risk of transmission…I’m not convinced that the curve has flattened. I’m convinced that the urban curve has flattened, the rural curve is yet to be seen. The one trend that Kenyans haven’t noticed is that as our confirmed cases are reducing, mortality numbers are not reducing… our case fatality rate in the last 14 days is 3%,” he remarked.

During his address, President Uhuru Kenyatta stated that victory is in sight but warned against a careless approach. Speaking during the National Covid-19 conference, the Head of State noted that “the greatest danger is always at that moment of victory”.  

“Experience has taught us that we are most vulnerable and fragile at the moment where we think we have won. I am not saying this to belittle the achievements that we have made… If we have won one battle against COVID-19, we have not yet won the war.  The possibility of a second wave of this pandemic is, real as we have seen in other countries.

“As an affirmation that the enemy is still within our borders we continue to record new infections every day even as we speak.  In that regard, to forestall what is happening elsewhere, we must continue adhering to the protocols issued by the Ministry of Health,” said President Kenyatta.

On the opening of schools, Dr Gitahi said the most important thing at the moment was the manner in which schools will be reopened and not when.

“The most important thing about schools is not the when but the how so that we can minimize the risk,” he said.

While announcing the partial reopening of the country, President Kenyatta directed that:

i. The Nationwide Curfew in force throughout the territory of the Republic of Kenya is extended for a further sixty (60) days;

ii. The commencement time for the Nationwide Curfew is varied from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Therefore, effective today, Tuesday the 29^th September, 2020 the national wide dusk-to-dawn Curfew will run from 11:00 O’clock at night to 4:00 O’clock in the morning.

iii. Prohibition against the operation of bars and the prohibition against the sale of alcoholic drinks and beverages by ordinary restaurants and eateries shall stand vacated with effect from 29^th September, 2020;

iv. The closing time for all bars and restaurants and eateries shall be 10pm every day with effect from 29^th September, 2020 and their operations shall be with strict adherence to the applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health;

v. In line with the recommendations of the Inter-Faith Council, the permitted maximum size of religious gatherings is increased to one third (1/3) of its normal sitting capacity; but with strict adherence to all applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

vi. The permitted maximum number of persons attending funerals and weddings is reviewed upwards from one hundred (100) to two hundred (200); but with strict adherence to all applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health

Article first published on newkenyan.com