The Cabinet Secretary of Health Mutahi Kagwe has lifted the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and other Covid-19 restrictions.

Kagwe made the announcement during a press briefing on Friday.

“There has been a lot of debates and discussions on the continued use of face masks as one of the containment measures. The mandatory wearing of face masks in open and public spaces is now lifted,” Kagwe said.

Kagwe said the lift is because the country has maintained a low positivity rate of transmission of Covid-19.

The CS also restored full in-person worship provided that all congregants and worshippers are fully vaccinated.

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At the same time, Kagwe announced that fully vaccinated truck drivers will not require other documents to get into Kenya while the unvaccinated drivers will require a negative PCR test.

Kagwe also ordered quarantine to be stopped immediately.

According to Kagwe, international travellers who are fully vaccinated will be exempted from the troubles of a PCR test. Children below the age of 15 are exempted in any event from this requirement.

“In terms of the international travel. Travellers who are fully vaccinated shall forthwith be exempted from the requirements of a PCR test. Children below the age of 15 are exempted in any event from this requirement.,” Kagwe said.

About sporting events, the CS issued guidelines saying protocols should be revised for spectators to be allowed back into sporting venues provided they are fully vaccinated.

“To the Ministry of Sports, for resumption of sports protocols to be revised for spectators to be allowed back into sporting venues as long as they are vaccinated without masks,” the CS said.

“The use of temperature screenings at public places has little utility in current epidemiological scenarios. In this regard therefore, the practice of temperature screening at public places can be stopped. However, more emphasis should be placed on ensuring that in those places hand washing and sanitary facilities are available,” Kagwe said.

The CS said the laxation and review of the Covid-19 containment measures are based on scientific advice regarding the disease and Kenya’s pandemic management preparedness.

However, Kagwe encouraged the public to continue wearing masks during indoor functions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Nevertheless, the Health CS encouraged Kenyans to maintain social distancing and continue adhering to the public health, social measures and exercise personal responsibility.