Three other patients isolated after exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms

The number of Covid-19 cases in the country could rise after three patients suspected to have contracted the coronavirus were isolated on Monday.

Addressing the press, Government spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna said in total there are 20 admitted patients who include the three who have since been confirmed positive.

According to the government spokesperson, out of the remaining 17, three of them are suspected cases and have already been isolated awaiting their test results after exhibiting covid-19 like symptoms.

The other 14 are also under quarantine awaiting their test results.

“Out of the 20, three are confirmed, three are suspected and we have another 14 who are under quarantine awaiting results,” said Oguna.

He highlighted that the number of admitted patients stands at 20 after two patients were discharged in line with medical protocol.

“Yesterday (Sunday) we did indicate a figure of 22 but according to medical protocol we cannot keep anyone in hospital yet their test results have shown they don’t have the virus,” said Oguna.

He further stated that the government has stepped up measures to curtail the spread of the disease in the country, noting that 35 counties had so far set up fully-equipped quarantine centres.

“We have continued to strengthen our measures and we have put efforts in place to ensure that the situation does not escalate beyond what it is…. We have consistently worked to enhance county capacity and currently we can say proudly say that we have 35 counties that have confirmed that they have necessary quarantine and isolation facilities to be able to handle Covid-19 cases…” said Oguna.

He pointed out that the Kenyatta National Hospital, Mbagathi Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital will be used as isolation and treating facilities.

Oguna noted that the facilities at the counties will be used for isolation and quarantine purposes.

He further disclosed that all coronavirus tests are now being conducted locally, adding that the testing capacity is being expanded to other KEMRI centres outside of Nairobi.

“Previously we were taking these specimens out of the country but today we are doing all these tests locally. We have now expanded capacity to other KEMRI centers in Busia, Kisimu, Kericho and Kilifi in addition to the two facilities we have here in Nairobi,” he said, adding that there are 34 points of entry in the country where screening is ongoing.