Kenya bans all public gatherings after confirming first case of coronavirus

Kenya's Health Minister has announced the suspension of all public gatherings after the country confirmed its first case of coronavirus.

Minister Mutahi Kagwe, said church services will continue with the compulsory provision of hand-sanitisers, adding that schools will remain open but there will be no inter-school activities.

He added there should be "no cause for alarm" but urged for "serious citizen responsibility".

Rapid-response units will be dispatched to respond to any suspected cases in the country, the health minister added.

Members of the public are thereby advised to observe personal hygiene, and transport operators to regularly clean their vehicles.

Kenya's NTV tweeted a video of part of the minister's statement:

Schools will remain open but interschool activities have been suspended. Prison visits have also been suspended for the next 30 days. - Mutahi Kagwe#coronavirusinKenya pic.twitter.com/vKDfuTf5vf

— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 13, 2020