One more patient tests positive for coronavirus in Kenya, CS Kagwe says

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has announced that one more patient has tested positive for coronavirus in Kenya bringing the total number to 4.

Speaking during a Press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the CS revealed that the patient had travelled from London on March 8 and arrived in Kenya the next day.

“The four patients are healthy and are being looked after. The search for those that the latest patient has been in contact with is ongoing. We continue to ask citizens to maintain hygiene,” he said.

Kenyans have also been advised to use the toll free line 719 to get more information.

According to the CS, samples from the fourth patient were confirmed as positive by the National Influenza Centre.

He noted that so far, laboratories at the National Influenza Centre and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have tested 111 suspected cases.

CS Mutahi Kagwe: Those travelling into the country must swear a legal document that they will comply with what they are supposed to do pic.twitter.com/jEEL4uHXO0

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) March 17, 2020

He further stated that on March 12, a total of 27 people were traced after having had contact with the first patient and two of them tested positive.

The others who had been quarantined at Mbagathi Hospital turned out negative and have been released but ordered to continue self-quarantine at home.

“When the Public Health Act has been invoked, quarantine is not a voluntary but a mandatory measure that can lead to a jail sentence,” he said.

CS Kagwe reiterated that those traveling into the country must swear a legal document that they will comply with the measures announced by the government.

“We have urged the people to stay away from where people are congregating such as churches and weddings. Wherever possible people in office should try and work from home,” he added.

The CS averred that in order to mitigate economic loss, cargo aircraft and vessels can come into country and be disinfected and the crew be quarantined.

When asked about Kenyans who are still gathering at social places, the CS replied: “Total shut down is always on the table.. It is depending with the situation…  We are monitoring how the public is following the measures.”

He further explained that officials at different airports in the country are on high alert and that those with family members coming from different countries should also remain vigilant and follow the self-quarantine measures.

The Health CS also reiterated that every Kenyan must ensure that they constantly wash their hands with soap and water and maintain the hygiene standards as advised by the government.

“On sanitizers..just buy a soap. CS for Water Sicily Kariuki is working on putting water points around the country,” he added.

“Total lockdown is on the table if coronavirus cases escalate, I urge Kenyans to limit social interactions,” he concluded.