Fears Over Resurgence Of Covid-19 Infection

The government is sounding a warning on what seems like a surge in the Covid-19 cases with counties which were already thought to be on a downward trend beginning to shoot up again.

Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the Government is closely monitoring the unfolding scenarios in Mombasa and Turkana that recorded high numbers at the weekend and would share the findings in due course.

“Whereas it might seem like a surge, we cannot conclusively state so without proper facts. However, our team of experts will be able to adequately advice,” said the CAS.

She also noted the emerging trend of gatherings amongst communities, asserting that while the government has revised protocols to have 100 people to attend weddings and funerals, those in attendance must strictly observe the containment measures.

“The guidelines include wearing of face masks, avoiding shaking of hands, and maintaining social and physical distance. The old and vulnerable people with underlying conditions must avoid all forms of gatherings. If we have to curtail the spread of the virus, we must take personal responsibilities for our actions,” she added.

Dr. Mwangangi further said that as a ministry, their work is to advise and issue the necessary guidelines to combat this virus, appealing to political leaders to cooperate with the government and desist from all forms of gatherings for now.

“We do not want to see a new wave of the virus emerging, and spreading through our counties because of our negligence. The time to act is now!” she cautioned.

She further emphasized that the disease is squarely within our communities standing at          35,398, which is 98 percent of the 36,157 confirmed positive cases are local transmissions.

Dr. Mwangangi said that Nairobi and Mombasa counties continued to have the highest attack rates of Covid-19 at 454.6 and 215.4 per 100,000 population respectively, when compared to the national average of 76.

“This means there is need to have enhanced intervention measures to curtail the spread of the virus in these two counties,” she added.

She lauded Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) for intensifying community engagements which have roped in the religious leaders.

“NMS has trained 1,500 Community Health Workers to engage with people at the community level, while at the same time sensitization efforts in estates are in top gear. NMS has also intensified the Home-Based Care Programme in order to free the health facilities for critical cases only,” said the CAS.

Regarding Monday Covid-19 statistics, 48 people tested positive from a sample size of 1,081 bringing to 36,205 the number of confirmed positive cases. The cumulative tests are now 498,733.

From the cases, all are Kenyans while in terms of gender, 31 are males and 17 females the youngest being a 12-year old child, while the oldest is 75.

Distribution of the cases by counties is as follows; Mombasa 20, Nairobi 15, Tharaka Nithi 4, Kiambu 2, Kilifi 2, Meru 2, Machakos 1, Wajir 1 and Homa Bay 1.

176 people have recovered from the disease, 45 from the Home-Based Care Programme, and 131 have been discharged from various hospitals. Total recoveries now stand at 23,243

Unfortunately, two patients succumbed to the disease bringing the country’s fatality to 624.