The information provided here is not intended to cause undue stress or anxiety, but rather to help the Jamat to take reasonable measures to prevent transmission and infection, and to support one another in line with the ethics of our faith. Let us ensure that in this difficult time, we look out for each other, and especially for the vulnerable members of our Jamat. If you need to speak to anyone you can reach health, safety and security volunteers on a dedicated hotline number: +254 (0) 709 299 299
If you would like to receive information about COVID-19 and other topics on a regular basis, please add this WhatsApp number to your contacts : +254 726 333 888
The Aga Khan Hospitals, Health Services and Emergency Hotlines
Nairobi
The Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi has set up a 24/7 hotline number manned by medical professionals and providing credible information about the virus. In case you have any questions or concerns, you can reach the hotline on +254 (0)709 931 700. This hotline is also accessible to anyone outside of Nairobi who may be seeking information. For up to date information, subscribe to the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi website on www.aku.edu/akuhn
Mombasa
Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa: +254 415 051824 or + 254 (0) 791 182 945
Kisumu
Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu on +254 (0) 722 203 622 or +254 (0) 733 637 566
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health emergency hotlines: + 254 (0) 729 471 414, +254 (0)732 353 535 or 719
Travel
Jamati members should consider the risks of international travel, given the spread of the virus and the difficulty of predicting which travel destinations may put people at risk. Those age 65 and over and those with chronic health conditions should be particularly careful about travel due to their higher risk. We strongly encourage the following:
You are at much greater risk if travelling to international conferences or large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
Check entry requirements for the countries you are visiting before you travel. Many countries have implemented restricted entry regulations.
Make sure you have checked with your employer before travelling. Many companies have implemented travel restrictions on employees in order to protect staff and workplaces.
Consider whether, if you get sick, you can afford staying in a hotel abroad longer than planned, or, if you get stuck in quarantine while abroad, you have sufficient sick leave and can be away for longer than anticipated, if required
If travelling, consider purchasing adequate travel insurance that will cover you for a pandemic, or for any cancellation that will need to be made.
If you have travelled and returned to Kenya, you should self-monitor for symptoms for at least 14 days after your return, during your self-quarantine. If symptoms do appear, contact the hotline numbers above.
Government Restrictions
All international passenger flights arriving in Kenya were suspended effective midnight on Wednesday, 25th March 2020. The only exception to this are cargo flights whose crew must observe strict guidelines. Effective immediately, ALL passengers (Kenyan citizens, residents and foreigners) arriving at points of entry will undergo mandatory quarantine at a Government-designated facility, at their own expense. Countries wishing to evacuate their nationals must make their arrangements to do so within this period. Kenyans who are in foreign countries currently and will not have come back within the said period are advised to observe the guidelines issued in the respective countries wherever they are.
It has been observed that there are those who are not observing self-quarantine protocol. Consequently, it has been decided by the Government that all persons who violate the self-quarantine requirement will be forcefully quarantined for a full 14 days at their cost, and thereafter arrested and charged in accordance with the Public Health Act.
If you have traveled and are returning:
We continue to urge any Jamati members who may have travelled outside the country and are returning, to seek urgent medical advice, if they are experiencing the following:
1. A fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius
2. Cold or Cough
3. Shortness of breath
Prevention and Protection
In order to protect yourself please do the following:
1. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Lather your hands, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse.
2. Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands when water is not available.
3. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or a tissue.
4. Avoid touching your face.
5. Avoid contact with people who are coughing and sneezing.
If you are sick
1. If you have flu-like symptoms, please take the opportunity to rest and self-isolate to protect yourself and others.
2. Avoid public gatherings.
3. Do not go to work or school
4. Seek medical advice by calling the hotline numbers.
Social Media and Misinformation
Sharing false information can cause much harm to the Jamat and the wider public. We are aware that there are many unverified messages shared and forwarded primarily on Whatsapp within Kenya. We are also aware that there have been some unverified messages shared amongst Jamat globally through email and Whatsapp with false information about the COVID-19. Please DO NOT share or forward messages that are not verified by medical personnel or the appropriate authorities. These messages provide misinformation and can lead to Jamat and the wider Kenyan public taking actions that are not medically sound, and that can cause serious harm.
Economic Updates
Read the latest EPB updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the economy:
1. EPB FAQs on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Kenyan economy - 19th March 2020
Businesses should consider the following:
Reduce reliance on a single market or channel for sourcing products and seek alternate supply solutions;
Review expectations of revenue generation for 2020, especially on the key lines of business impacted;
Ensure availability and access to capital to withstand shocks and meet financial obligations. Many countries around the world have seen a total shutdown of their economic activity for an indefinite period and we need to be prepared for such an eventuality;
Maintain a savings cushion that is readily available if required. Liquidity in the financial system can become sparse in times of stress; savings should only be deposited with sound financial institutions that benefit from a strong credit rating and a low cost of funding;
Avoid excessive leverage and minimize currency mismatch (for instance borrowing in US Dollars when revenues are in Kenya Shillings);
Scale back or defer aggressive expansions plans or speculative ventures;
Minimize unnecessary expenses and maintain low overheads;
In line with the Government Directive and when possible encourage remote working for non-essential staff and provide working conditions that minimise transmission risk;
Jamati members should also minimise unnecessary spending and continue to be prudent with personal finances. Also in line with the Government Directive to reduce the risk of transmission, we highly encourage Jamati members to conduct cashless transactions using mobile money and debit or credit cards.
The Jamat is encouraged to contact the Economic Planning Board on phone at +254 (0) 735 681 105 and on email at [email protected] for any further queries or confidential advice on the above.
Safety and Security
Unscrupulous individuals may use the Coronavirus and names of Government organizations to enable crime. The National Safety & Security Committee advises the Jamat to take precaution and not release any information nor allow unknown persons into your premises without proper verification including ID checks. In the event suspicious characters claiming to be from the Government or Ministry of Health approach your residence and refer to COVID-19 do not allow them entry without proper verification.
Please refrain from purchasing any purported COVID-19 self-test kits. The World Health Organization has confirmed that currently, testing can only happen in designated testing facilities.
If in doubt on these or any other safety and security matters, contact any of these Safety and Security hotlines: +254 (0)711778899 or +254 (0)719778899
Respect, Support and Appropriate Behaviour
In line with the ethics and values of our faith, let us all strive to be as supportive to each other as possible. If you have elderly members in your family or in the Jamat, or members who have chronic illnesses or lower immunity, talk to them and help them understand the steps they should take in order to keep healthy, including the recommendations outlined above.
Be careful not to make inappropriate judgements or stereotype specific individuals based on their race, nationality or physical appearance. Incidences have been reported in Kenya of discrimination and harassment of individuals based on perceptions of their nationality or ethnicity following the COVID-19 outbreak globally. Respond respectfully and kindly, but firmly, to inappropriate comments or behavior, especially in Jamatkhana spaces or community social events. Consider the impact of your behavior on other people.
While it’s always good to be prepared, don’t panic shop or hoard at shops or supermarkets – this perpetuates panic and creates a shortage of supplies for others who are also trying to keep their homes, families and workplaces safe.
