Kenyas COVID-19 positivity rate at 8pc, 188 new infections recorded

The Ministry of Health has reported 188 new COVID-19 infections in the country in the last day, based on a sample size of 2,354 people.

The new infections, which have an 8.0 percent positivity rate, bring the total number of confirmed infections to 188,942 and the total number of samples tested to 2,018,013.

According to a press release from the Health Ministry, Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos had the highest number of new infections, with 128, 10, and 9 new cases, respectively.

“From the cases 174 are Kenyans while 14 are foreigners; 102 are males and 86 females,” the Ministry said. “The youngest is a two-year-old child while the oldest is 85 years.”

In the rest of the country, the new infections are distributed as follows: Siaya 7, Kwale 7, Nakuru 7, Embu 3, Kajiado 3, 2 Murang’a 3, Makueni 2, Uasin Gishu 2, Garissa 1, Kilifi 1, Homa Bay 1, Laikipia 1, Kakamega 1, Nyeri 1 and Mandera 1.

“A total of 1,062 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 4,381 are under Home Based Isolation and Care program.,” the Health Ministry added.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has 120 patients, 41 of whom are on ventilatory support and 59 on supplemental oxygen.

Another 20 patients are being monitored, while 223 others are receiving supplemental oxygen, 201 of whom are in general wards and 22 in High Dependency Units (HDU).

Meanwhile, 341 patients have recovered from the disease in the last one day, pushing the total number of recoveries to 179,861.

“250 are from the Home-Based Isolation and Care, while 91 are from various health facilities countrywide.” The Ministry said “179,861 out of which 143,588 are from Home Based Care and Isolation program, while 36,273 are from various health facilities.”

At the same time, one more fatality was recorded, pushing the total of virus-related deaths to 3,723.

The death was a late report discovered after facility record audits in July.

Vaccination

Kenya has vaccinated 1,547,092 people so far, well short of its target of vaccinating at least 10 million adults by the end of the year.

1,028,121 people have received their first jabs, while 518,971 have been fully vaccinated.

“The uptake of the second dose among those who received their first 5 dose is at 50.5% with the majority being males at 55% while females are at 45%.” the Health ministry said on Monday.