- Kawangware has 20 positive cases
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi reported 24 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death from Mombasa on Saturday.
10 of the cases are from Eastleigh and seven from Kawangware, five from Mombasa and the last two from Kuria West who had a history of travel from Tanzania
The five cases in Mombasa are from Mikindani (2) cases, Mwembe Tayari (2) cases, Shimanzi one (1) case.
There are now 435 confirmed coronavirus cases in Kenya with 261 active cases, including 22 deaths and 152 recoveries.
Dr Mwangangi said the 24 confirmed cases, 2 recoveries, and one death were from 1195 tests. Cumulatively, the country has carried out 22,897.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting Director-General for Health said 214 patients are spread out across the country in various hospitals with only one in critical condition.
The Ministry said it will issue guidelines on home care for patients with the suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
“The Ministry of Health is reviewing home-based care quarantine mechanisms and we shall soon be able to issue specific guidelines to how this will be undertaken,”Dr. Mwangangi said.
Behavior change
The Ministry emphasized that it was critical for the public to adhere to set guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19 especially social distancing.
Dr. Mwangangi said from random checks conducted in Kawangware where mass testing commenced Friday, “I could see people with masks, but the masks are hanging by their noses. There were sanitizers, but the bottle was still quite full. Kenyans need to follow containment measures if we are to overcome the virus,” she said.
“It is therefore important that in order to break the cycle of transmission within our communities we must strictly observe the containment measures and in particular, social distancing. If we do not adhere to these measures, the disease is bound to spread quickly in our communities,” Dr. Mwangangi said.
Dr. Patrick Amoth further said isolation and quarantine to be effective, more quarantine facilities were needed.
“This is what will lead to flattening of the curve,” Dr. Amoth said.
In Mombasa County, Governor Hassan Joho disclosed that Old Town with a population of 28,000 people, only 130 people have been tested since they began mass testing.
The Governor urged Imams against opening their mosques for prayers as it was irresponsible for them.
Joho noted that 6 of the 11 Mombasa coronavirus fatalities are from Old Town.
“…we have already buried six people Old town and yet you have time to argue.. what is wrong with you? Use your common sense ..stop joking with lives.”
