Kenya suspends flights from North of Italy over coronavirus outbreak

The government has suspended direct flights from North of Italy to Kenya due to the coronavirus outbreak in Verona and Milan.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus Chairman and Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the decision which takes effect immediately was made following Consultations with the Italian Embassy.

“Following Consultations with the Italian Embassy and stakeholders, the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus has concluded that flights from North of Italy, specifically Verona and Milan which usually has  direct chartered flights to our coast be suspended effective March 3, 2020,” reads the statement.

“This part of Italy is experiencing Coronavirus incidents which could affect safety to Kenyans.”

The flu-like virus that emerged from central China late last year has spread to about 60 countries, infected more than 85,000 people and killed almost 3,000, mostly in China.

So far, 10 U.S. states including California and New York have confirmed or presumed coronavirus cases.