Mask up, Kagwe warns as Covid-19 infections rise

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe. [File, Standard]

County government hospitals have been urged to be on the lookout for cases with flu-like symptoms, as Covid-19 cases continue to soar in Kenya considering the present cold weather.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has asked the county health departments to scale up their surveillance efforts and at the same time revamp their isolation facilities and particularly the oxygen supplies in case the numbers continue to surge.

“I am asking the health practitioners at the county level to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms and anyone who shows such signs must be tested for Covid-19. We have enough rapid antigens for testing large numbers,” he said.

Addressing the press at Afya House Nairobi today, Kagwe who was flanked by the Director-General of Health, Doctor Patrick Amoth, rallied those who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. The CS at the same time asked those who have been vaccinated to take a booster shot.

He at the same time urged Kenyans to remain fully masked in worshipping areas and other town hall congregations stating that such meetings are likely to spread the virus even further.

The ministry has been raising alarm over the escalating positivity rate of Covid-19 cases since the start of May hitting a high of 5.6 per cent and averaging at 3.3 per cent weekly.