Kenya is mulling at imposing travel restrictions to and from India as a more contagious COVID-19 variant continue to ravage the Asian country.
The second wave, which began in March, has escalated rapidly, with India recording more than a million new cases in just three days.
Today, India reported 352,991 new cases and 2,812 COVID-19-related deaths, marking the world’s highest daily national caseload ever.
Minister for Health Mutahi Kagwe says the National Emergency Response Committee on COVID-19 has met over the matter.
In an interview with Citizen TV, the Minister said the suspension of flights is an option that has been adopted by several countries.
Britain, USA, New Zealand, France, Singapore, Germany, Italy, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Canada have banned travels.
“The first responsibility we have is protecting Kenyan lives and that we will not hesitate in doing,” he stated in the 9 pm bulletin.
Mr Kagwe said the NERC will make the announcement tomorrow, in addition to other COVID-19 prevention measures.
The situation in India is particularly dire in the capital New Delhi, which is under lockdown until May 3.
The city is facing severe oxygen shortages. Delhi does not produce medical oxygen and is relying on donations from foreign countries.
The surge has been blamed on packed political rallies and a recent annual Hindu religious festival that attracted millions of pilgrims.
Crematoria are overwhelmed; furnaces have melted down from overuse and additional funeral platforms are being built outside.