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Kenya Sees New Surge of Coronavirus After Easing Restrictions

Mohammed Yusuf

   NAIROBI - Kenya is facing a second wave of coronavirus infections, just
   weeks after lifting tough restrictions meant to limit its spread.
   Kenya's health minister on Sunday warned the country was headed for
   tough times after reporting more than 600 new cases and several deaths.
   Some experts say it might be challenging to reimpose restrictions.

   In late July, Wanjohi Githae, a Kenyan journalist, was at a social
   gathering when he hugged a friend.

   "In fact, it was not only me. It was a group of us who got sick. Social
   friends, so we realized that we were in a social place and someone came
   and hugged us. Then that individual told us that they had been tested
   in the office, and we don't know what is happening," he said.

   Githae became sick and was admitted to the hospital, where he was
   administered oxygen to help his breathing.

   The journalist said that after months of the coronavirus, people have
   forgotten all health protocols.

   "People have lowered their guard, and it's unfortunate. I think this is
   because the reason why people seem to be lowering their guard is we do
   not know who got sick. People will say they don't know anyone who is
   infected, but for the few people who had someone, a family relation or
   a colleague, they are taking precautions," he said.

   Health officials raised the alarm after the country recorded hundreds
   of new cases in recent weeks and eased protocols meant to limit
   transmission.

   Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said the country recorded seven deaths on
   Sunday and 685 new cases of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19
   disease.

   He said health officials are worried.

   "There is no doubt that we are witnessing what our modeling team this
   morning was calling a case of new infections. We are heading for a
   second wave; without doubt, we are also witnessing higher cases from
   prisons and other institutions across the different counties," said
   Kagwe.

   In recent months, Kenya pushed a nighttime curfew back to 11 p.m.,
   allowing bars and clubs to operate, and just last week partially
   reopened the public schools.

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