Kenya says it is scrapping a requirement for people to wear masks in public as part of an easing of Covid-19 restrictions in place for two years, reports AFP.

“The mandatory wearing of face masks in open public spaces is now lifted,” Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said in a statement while encouraging the continued use of masks at indoor functions and for social distancing in public places.

Fully-jabbed spectators will be allowed back into sporting venues and all in-person worship can resume at full capacity as long as those attending are vaccinated, he said.

The minister also announced the lifting of the requirement for PCR tests for fully-vaccinated travellers to Kenya, although unvaccinated visitors will have to take antigen tests and self-isolate if positive.