Kenya has posted yet another higher figure of Covid-19 infections after 602 tested positive over the past 24 hours. The figures raise the total caseload to 43,143.
In a statement sent to Standard Digital, the new cases come from 5,618 samples which shoot the country’s cumulative tests to 607,241. This is the second day the country has posted cases scaling past 500 mark, the highest figures since August 2020.
407 of those infected in the past 24 hours are male while 195 are female while the youngest case is a five-month-old infant and the oldest is aged 94.
Of the new cases, 585 are Kenyans while 17 are foreigners.
Sadly, 8 patients died from Covid-19 bringing Kenya’s fatalities to 805.
On a positive note, 80 patients recovered with 51 released from home-based care programme while 29 were discharged from various hospitals bringing the total number of recoveries to 31,508.
Second wave fear
The rise in Covid-19 cases in the country has given the Ministry of Health (MOH) another headache owing to the fear of a possible second wave of the virus.
“If the infection prevention and control measures are not adhered to strictly as stipulated by MOH, then a second wave will be imminent. However, we hope not to get there. Wash hands; sanitize; wear masks and keep physical distance,” tweeted Ag Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
In an interaction with Kenyans of Twitter, Dr Amoth confirmed that the government had ramped up its surveillance system especially after learning institutions had been opened.
Learning resumed in schools for Grade Four, Class 8 and Form 4 students on Monday, a fortnight after students in universities and colleges reported back. MOH reported that random testing will be done in learning institutions as an effort to identify and contain any infections.
The Health Director-General hinted at the fact that the country may see stricter restrictions being imposed if the numbers continue soaring.
“Returning to stricter restrictions is definitely an option as was stated by H.E President Kenyatta. The MOH has a duty to ensure that we are a healthy nation. Should we witness a surge, then that will be our final option for the good of the country,” tweeted Dr Amoth.
Distribution
Nairobi leads with 133 cases, Nakuru 47, Uasin Gishu 47, Kilifi 46, Kisumu 46, Mombasa 44, Kericho 32, Kakamega 28, Turkana 25, Kisii 21, Machakos 20, Laikipia 13, Nyandarua 12, Bungoma 12, Kiambu 11, Nandi 10, Busia 7, Kajiado 7, Baringo 6, Garissa 6, West Pokot 5, Nyamira 5, Makeuni 3, Nyeri 2, Embu 2, Siaya 2, Bomet 2, Vihiga 2, Lamu, Wajir , Samburu , Narok , Murang’a and Meru one cases each.
The 133 cases in Nairobi are distributed in Roysambu 21, Weslands 19, Lang’ata 18, Embakasi East, Embakasi South and Embakasi West 7 cases each, Kasarani 6, Kibra 6, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Embakasi North, Kamkunji, Makadara, Ruaraka and Starehe 5 cases each, Embakasi central 4, and Mathare 3.
