Kenya bans alcohol sale as coronavirus cases surge

The Kenyan president on Monday announced stringent measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus following an extraordinary meeting with governors of the East African country.

In a nationwide televised briefing, Uhuru Kenyatta ordered that all bars will remain closed until further notice.

"I said that I will not hesitate to re-escalate again if reckless behaviour is widespread, there shall be no sale of alcoholic beverages or drinks in eateries and restaurants across the territory of the Republic of Kenya effective midnight today for the next 30 days," Kenyatta said.

He also announced extending a nationwide curfew for a further one month.

Kenyatta emphasized that a complete lockdown due to a surge in new COVID-19 cases in not on the cards, noting that there is a need to support the country's economy.

He said that every Kenyan must take personal responsibility to help stop the spread of the virus.

Kenya on Sunday recorded 960 new infections, the highest single-day spike in the country since the disease appeared in the East African nation.

The total number of infections in the country has risen to 17,603, while the death toll stands at 280.