Government clears controversy over opening of restaurants

A day after the government gave a green light to the
hospitality industry operations, which included opening of hotels and some
restaurant amidst covid-19 pandemic, a lot of controversy has been going round
the move.

With reports of some restaurants opening up early Tuesday
morning, as instructed by health CS Mutahi Kagwe, the ministry has issued
further guidelines to be followed by hotel owners before they are allowed to
operate.

Speaking to reporters at Afya House Nairobi, Health Chief
Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman said reports on social media that
hotels have opened are out of order, and that restaurants should follow the
required procedure to be allowed to operate.

He added that the ministry has plans to test all food
handlers before they are allowed to carry on with business.

“The government is working on a plan to have all food
handlers across the country tested. This will be communicated to the public in
due cause,” said Dr. Aman.

He called upon eateries planning to test their employees to
organize a private testing session with the ministry of health.

Asked about the cost of quarantine and testing for
employees, Dr. Aman said the government only takes care of testing and treating,
which is offered only in public facilities.

“There are about 600,000 food dealers, which is a large
number to deal with indeed, but we have laid out measures to deal with that,
said CAS Aman.

According to Dr. Mwangi Kuria, restaurants will not be allowed
to open until inspected by the ministry of health officers.

Restaurant owners are required to submit application for
inspection.

“All county public health officers will inspect all food
service premises to see whether they comply,” said Dr. Mwangi.

The operation will commence upon receipt of a permit from
the county health director.

This among rules for the operation include the suspension of
all hotel meetings exciting 15 people, with the sitting arrangement place 1.5
metres apart.

No self-service will be allowed –but only authorized stewards
will be allowed to serve customers.

The restaurants must test the temperature of
anyone entering, and anyone with temperature above 35 will not be allowed in.