In Kenya, the mask mandate has been reinstated indoors

To combat the spread of COVID-19, Kenya has resumed the use of masks in interior public venues, including public vehicles and aircraft. On Monday, the Kenyan minister of health, Mutahi Kagwe, stated that people must wear masks in workplaces, marketplaces, and religious buildings.

He claimed that the number of COVID-19 cases is "alarmingly high," and that if the trend continues, the elections may be impacted, although he did not elaborate on how.

On August 9, Kenya will conduct general elections in the country. On Monday, the nation's coronavirus positivity rate peaked at 12.6 percent, the maximum in 4 months. Within the last 24 hours, roughly 250 people out of a total of 2,000 people tested positive for COVID-19, according to the ministry of health. 

One patient is currently on ventilator support in the intensive care unit. One hundred and fifty-five people have been admitted to hospitals, with eleven of them requiring supplemental oxygen. A total of about 3,081 patients are receiving care at home.

The mask regulation was repealed by the health ministry in early March, but individuals were advised to wear them in indoor public venues. Scientists warned in late April that the country could be hit by a sixth COVID-19 wave.

 A warning regarding rising infection rates was issued earlier this month by Dr. Francis Kuria, Director of Public Health. Over 18 million vaccinations have been given to the country's citizens so far.