Govt: All 239 passengers on China Southern plane tested negative for coronavirus

The government of Kenya now says none of the 239 passengers who arrived in the country last month aboard a Chinese Southern Airlines plane have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The government, in a report filed in court, said the passengers flew into the country on a plane from the China Southern Airlines that has since been suspended from entering the country.

It also stated that a total of 321, 123 passengers have been screened across various points of entry – land, sea, and air – since January 20, 2020.

Also Read: All 239 passengers from Chinese plane to be quarantined at KDF facility

“It is important to note that not all Chinese workers are incoming from mainland China, but are nevertheless subjected to the strategic action,” read the report signed by Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth.

All level 4 and 5 hospitals, as well as private facilities, have since been directed to establish isolation wards for purposes of securing and managing any suspected cases of the coronavirus.

According to the report, at least 615 health workers in public and private hospitals as well as points of entry have been sensitized on how to deal with suspected cases of Covid-19.

“The country has adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and more are being mobilized. These are available through local manufacturers, and the country does not immediately need to source the equipment externally,” added the report.

Also Read: Gov’t yet to track down, quarantine the 239 passengers from Chinese plane

“The Ministry has continued to provide prompt and regular updates to the members of the public regarding coronavirus in the country and advised on the modalities of reporting any suspected cases, accessing medical facilities as well as availing emergency contacts.”

The report further reiterated the government directive that entry into the country for any persons, except Kenyan citizens, travelling from coronavirus-hit countries has now been suspended.