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2021.12.22 23:48 GMT+8

Kenya tightens COVID-19 containment measures amid infections spike

Updated 2021.12.22 23:48 GMT+8
CGTN

FILE PHOTO: A nurse speaks to COVID-19 patient behind curtains inside the intensive care unit (ICU) of Machakos Level 5 Hospital, in Machakos, Kenya, on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. /Getty Images

Kenya's government has announced a raft of new measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.

This comes as the East African country continues to record a spike in the number of daily new infections, with more cases of the Omicron variant registered.

The country's Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, told the media on Wednesday that proof of vaccination will be required in public places such as national parks, game reserves, hotels, bars and restaurants. Public transport operators will also be required to demand vaccination proof for all travelers.

"With the increase of infections following the onset of the Omicron variant, we still find that those who are vaccinated perform better against the disease. All adults in the country should be vaccinated in the shortest time possible to ensure that we have as many people as possible protected from severe disease," said Dr. Mwangangi.

She also noted that all visitors, tourists and travelers from Europe must be fully vaccinated and provide proof before entry into the country.

The health ministry reported 3,328 new COVID-19 cases from a sample size of 11,197 tests conducted over the last 24 hours, bringing the country's total number of infections to 270,899.

Kenya's vaccination drive has seen more than 9 million doses administered across the country, with over 3.6 million people fully inoculated.

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