22 people who were in contact with Kenyas first coronavirus patient traced, quarantined

The Ministry of Health has traced 22 people who are believed to have had close contact with a Kenyan woman who is in isolation over coronavirus.

Citizen Digital understands the  22 are currently under observation at the Kenyatta National Hospital Isolation unit at the Mbagathi Hospital.

During a Press Conference led by the Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, Mercy Mwangangi the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health said samples from the 22 had been taken and were being tested.

Additionally, 23 other people of different nationalities who shared a flight with the Kenyan have been contacted and advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.

During the press conference, Oguna reiterated that face masks are only needed by patients and health workers.

“Anybody who is not unwell does not require masks, the masks are only needed by those who are unwell, but the health workers need them,” He said.

His statement comes a day after Kenyans in their droves hit shopping outlets and panic-bought masks, sanitizers and foodstuffs.

A number of stores on Friday are reported to have run out of sanitizer while others limited purchases to only two vials per person.

As Kenya battles the pandemic, the government will be giving daily updates and has advised anyone who has travelled recently to self-isolate for the requisite 14 days.

The ministry of Health has also released a toll-free telephone number that Kenyans can use to get information on the pandemic.

For instance USSD code *719# provides information in both Swahili and English on the pandemic; what it is, how its spread and how to stay safe.

The same number can also be dialled for voice updates in Swahili and English. It is free of charge.