28 more test positive for coronavirus as tight measures imposed in hotspot areas

The government has today increased measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, especially in Eastleigh and Old Town.

Speaking at Afya House on Saturday, Health CAS Rashid Aman (pictured) said markets and malls in these areas will remain closed and hawking prohibited.

Gatherings of whatever nature have also been halted, including operation of restaurants and eateries in the two areas.

In the last 24 hours, 1,611 samples were tested, out of which 28 tested positive, pushing the national tally to 649.

Kenya's recoveries have hit 207 and 30 deaths.  

The new cases are spread across Mombasa (10), Nairobi (nine), Migori (four), Kajiado (two), Machakos (one), Kiambu (one) and Homa Bay (one).

Border counties risk

Dr Aman admitted that it is worrying how the number of infections is steadily increasing in border counties. 

The Health ministry urged the management of these counties to set up surveillance and screening measures to stop the spread of covid-19.

Dr Aman added that the ministry, the vulnerable counties and relevant partners will work together in healthworkers training and community education in fighting the pandemic.

A health support team has been sent to Mandera to help with testing. Some 241 samples from the county have been flown to Nairobi for analysis.

A testing facility will also be set up at Namanga border point through a collaboration between the national government and Kajiado county to test truck drivers.

In order to stop the cycle of transmission, Dr Aman appealed to Kenyans to turn up for testing and observe containment measures.

Residents in hotspot areas like Eastleigh and Old Town have been urged to continue observing the containment measures, including cessation of movement.

In most urban centres, life has almost gone back to normal, a trend Dr Aman says is worrying as Kenyans don't seem to see the seriousness of the situation.

Global confirmed infections have hit four million with more than 1.4 million recoveries.

More than 276,000 people have died globally from coronavirus-related infections.

According to the Health CAS, malls in Nairobi and markets are fully packed.

"We're still combating this disease. We have not registered victory against it."

Malll administrators have said while they observe social distancing and hygiene measures, the situation is harder when families walk into the malls together as it becomes difficult to ask them not to walk together.

"Such behaviour is dangerous and can reverse the gains made in flattening the coronavirus curve," Dr Aman added.

He cautioned the management of such facilities as malls and supermarkets against abetting this behaviour, adding that they risk closure.