Rules On Restaurants Relaxed But What Really Informed The Decision?

The measures set out to control the spread of COVID-19 by the government are being eased step by step, restaurants can now close at 7:30 pm, are the worst days for Kenya a past or someone is following the other?

Updating Kenyans on the Country’s Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed after numerous discussions, a decision to relax further the operating hours had been reached on and restaurants will now be allowed to operate up to 7:30 pm.

It is unclear what influenced the decision to push the time for restaurants to operate despite the Ministry of Health has decried the previous flouting of the working hours for the establishments with the Health CAS having accused restaurants to being turned into clubs.

Is the government relaxing the health measures because it cares for the common mwananchi and has realized it is safe to do so or because it is hurting from the effect on its economics? Your guess is as good as mine.

Operating hours for restaurants were previously to 5 pm and with the extension, there now is an allowance of two and a half hours before establishments can close.

Public Health officials were directed to ensure they conduct regular inspections at restaurants to ensure all restaurants operating are adhering to the set measures so as safeguard Kenyan lives.

Restaurant owners had previously been warned that any establishment found flouting the Ministry of Health measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 would have its licenses withdrawn permanently.

When restaurants close at 7:30 pm, according to Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, restaurant employees will have one and a half hours to get to their homes to avoid being caught out by the curfew

Restaurant workers according to Health CS Mutahi Kagwe will be tested once before the establishment opens and will only be forced to undergo another test for COVID-19 if the restaurant flouts the measures or any employee shows signs of COVID-19.

“The operators are however advised that they must adhere to protocols that are provided by the Ministry of Health website which include having thermo guns at the entrance of the premises to screen clients for temperature,” Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said.

“Restaurant Operators must ensure they are providing hand-washing stations and soap at the entrance; providing sanitizers in strategic places; ensuring that clients entering wear masks and provisioning for social and physical distancing,” CS Kagwe added.

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