25 new Coronavirus cases in Kenya now 490 – Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi
” In the last 24 hours we have managed to test 1,012 samples. Out of this number, twenty five (25) people tested positive for Coronavirus. Out of these cases, fifteen (15) are from Nairobi and ten (10) cases are from Mombasa. All the twenty five (25) cases are Kenyans and none has a history of travel”- Dr. Mercy Mwangangi CAS Health.
“In terms of gender, thirteen (13) are males and twelve (12) females. The age distribution of the new cases ranges from 6 months for the youngest to 60 years for the oldest.The cases are distributed in the estates as follows; In Nairobi they are from; Eastleigh (8), Mathare (1), Umoja (2), Kawangware (2), Kahawa West (1) Kariobangi South (1). In Mombasa, the cases are from Old Town (8), Bombululu (1) and Jomvu (1). This bring to 490 the total number of positive cases in the country so far”. – CAS Health.
The total number of positive cases in the country so far is 490.
On a positive note, today we have recorded 6 discharges.
This brings to 173 the total number of those who have so far recovered from the disease in the country.
At the global level, the coronavirus disease burden is 3.3 million people infected and 238, 628 have died. In Africa, the confirmed cases now stand at 29, 438 with 1,064 fatalities.
Coronavirus is now fully within our communities, & the rate of infection is not going down. To stop the infections, each and every one of us must take precaution and religiously practice the containment measures that we have consistently advocated; Dr. Mwangangi.
We must observe social distancing requirement, wash hands regularly, and stay at home, and only go out when absolutely necessary.
Whenever out in a public place, one must wear the face mask.
“Since we embarked on targeted testing in certain regions, we have witnessed gradual increase in the turnout. Our teams are continuing with the exercise in areas we have identified as hotspots, such as Kawangware, Eastleigh and Mvita in Mombasa County. The targeted testing is to identify and isolate the infected in order to prevent further transmission.I am therefore urging Kenyans in these areas to willingly come forward and be tested. Testing is the most effective strategy of breaking the chain of transmission” – CAS Health.
Mechanisms to help do away with stigma associated with testing for #COVID19 will be put in place. Kenyans who may not afford quarantine services will now undergo social assessment in order to get the care that they require with facilitation from Government.
In efforts to mitigate community transmissions, our containment measures must be adhered to, and our contact tracing systems remain robust hence the reason for putting our resources and efforts in those two areas.
The best practices that have been adopted world over in the fight against #COVID19 are testing, isolating, treating and tracing of contacts; Kenya has adopted to this as well.
“We have also noticed the mushrooming of social research studies on COVID-19 pandemic by individuals and institutions. While we encourage our people to continue researching on this matter, any research must however go through the National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI)”. -CAS Health.
We have observed that most people are not wearing masks the proper way. A few of us hang them at our chins, until we meet a law enforcement officer.
Masks act as a protective barrier to the virus, thereby reducing the possibility of infection. Let’s wear them.