This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, Mandera County in Kenya reported a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with 17 out of 18 patients discharged after testing negative.
According to Health Executive Mohamud Adan Mohamed, six out of seven patients who were remaining in isolation were discharged on Tuesday after turning negative.
"We have flattened the curve for now but we remain vigilant considering our vulnerability as we border Somalia and the rampant movements of our people in and out of Mandera," said Mr Mohamed.
The county's swift response to the pandemic, including the establishment of isolation centres, quarantine facilities, and trained health workers, has been credited with the success.
Mr Mohamed attributed the success to the dedication of the medical staff in Mandera in implementing the set health guidelines.
"Our response teams remain in place as we continue to observe the happenings along our common border with Somalia and our people's movement and interaction behaviours," said Mr Mohamed.
He maintained that the Mandera crisis was "imported" from Nairobi and Somalia.
"When the first two imported cases landed in Mandera in April via a Makkah bus from Nairobi, the health team was ready and it was all systems go," said Mr Mohamed.
