Kenya has suspended flights from northern Italy with immediate effect.
This follows a meeting by the National Emergency Response Committee on coronavirus, which was constituted by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.
“Following Consultations with the Italian Embassy and Stake Holders, the National Emergency Response Committee on Corona Virus (NERCC) has concluded that flights from the North of Italy, specifically Verona and Milan which usually has direct chartered flights to our coast be suspended effective March 3rd, 2020,” a statement signed by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said on Tuesday.
“This part of Italy is currently experiencing coronavirus incidents which could affect the safety of Kenyans”.
He chaired the meeting to review the situation and status of the coronavirus outbreak.
Italy has the most coronavirus cases of any country outside of Asia.
According to CNN, Italy reported a 50 per cent increase in coronavirus cases on Sunday.
“Italy’s Civil Protection Authority reported the country now has 1,694 confirmed coronavirus cases, up from 1,128 confirmed cases on Saturday. Thirty-four people have died,” CNN reported on Sunday.
Delta Air Lines has already suspended its US flights to Milan, announcing the decision announced Sunday. With the last return flight arriving on Tuesday.