Kenya to screen ferry commuters

In Kenya, commuters showing “flu-like" symptoms will not be allowed to use ferries linking the coastal city of Mombasa and the county of Kwale after cases of coronavirus had been identified in both places, local media report.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and other top officials announced that passengers must wear face masks or cover their mouth and nose with a piece of cloth.

“Any person with symptoms of coronavirus must avoid using the ferries and instead seek medical attention in the nearest health facility,” said Gilbert Kitiyo, Mombasa county commissioner,Citizen TV reported.

The authorities said they would also implement social-distancing measures in the often crowded ferries.

On Tuesday, Kenya's health minister announced the country had 25 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus.