The government, through the ministry of health has lifted the mandatory wearing of face masks while in open public places.
In a press briefing on Friday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, lifted the requirement but encouraged Kenyans to continue maintaining social distance.
“There has been a lot of debate and discussions on the continued use of Face masks as one of the containment measures, the mandatory wearing of face masks. The mandatory wearing of face masks in open public places is now lifted.
“People are encouraged to maintain social distance and avoid crowding in public spaces to ensure risk of spread is limited. We however encourage the use of masks in all indoor functions. The interfaith council will advise on the protocols in places of worship,” Mutahi said.
The news has however not been received well by a number of Kenyans because of some reasons the first being a lost business opportunity.
Many people have been thriving on the business of selling masks and with the lifting of the covid containment measure, their businesses will go down. Some have even suggested that the restriction could have lasted for one more month so that they could clear their stocks.
“Sasa wewe Hon CS Kagwe unaharibu buzna ya Maskaki, Aki tunakuona tu,” Kisiang’ani Ken complained.
He would have given traders us one month to clear our stock
— Francis (@Frankgudo) March 11, 2022
Another reason is that a number of Kenyans who had stocked enough masks in their houses now feel they wasted their money.
I just bought 2 boxes pic.twitter.com/ARa2AfnyZx
— ?? እምነት (@Lakwetab) March 11, 2022
Aside from that, some have fears of encountering mouth odors and bad smells from those who do not shower since masks ensured that such smells are kept at bay.
Others are now afraid that the police will start harassing them because of Identity Cards and safety belts.
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