This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, Director-General of Health Patrick Amoth addressed reports of ending testing for asymptomatic patients in Kenya following a World Health Organisation (WHO) report that people who didn’t show symptoms were unlikely to spread the virus.
However, the report by the global body ignited pushback from health professionals, with many claiming that it had erred or miscommunicated. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead on the Covid-19 pandemic, clarified that the actual rates of asymptomatic transmission weren’t known yet.
Dr Amoth stated that studies were still ongoing on the matter and testing of strategies would be determined by Scientists. He noted that a majority of those discharged did not require treatment, and health officials had since discharged 1,326 Covid-19 patients.
"Majority of people who get infected with Covid-19 either develop no symptoms or just mild symptoms. There are certain factors that increase the risk of progressing to severe diseases including old age and underlying medical conditions," Amoth noted.
Dr Amoth also addressed the home-care guidelines which had been launched earlier in the month. He explained that the implementation of Home-based care would begin in a few days, with capacity building training and sensitization of healthcare workers and community health volunteers.
He dispelled reports about the cold season made Covid-19 transmission rates higher, stating that there was no sufficient evidence that cold seasons had any bearing on coronavirus infections.
Dr Amoth stated that the government had adopted a staggered approach to reopening the economy based on various factors. He added that it was too early to tell whether the curve was flattening, and they were likely to witness a rise in the number of cases.
He observed that the mitigation measures in densely populated areas had borne fruit, thereby reducing transmission rates, and they were closely monitoring the areas.
"We still urge residents to continue with infection prevention measures. Wash hands. Sanitize. Keep social distance," he advised.
