This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, Makueni County made history by releasing its first COVID-19 patient from the hospital after multiple negative test results.
According to Dr. Andrew Mulwa, County Health Executive Committee Member, the patient, a 35-year-old asymptomatic man working at the Konza Technocity in Kilome Sub County, was admitted to the Makueni Referral Hospital on June 7 after testing positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Mulwa explained that the patient was tested several times according to the protocols given by the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health, and all results turned negative.
Additionally, 18 other people who had been quarantined at Kenya Medical Training Centre (KMTC) in Makindu for the last ten days after coming into contact with the patient were also released after their results turned negative.
Dr. Mulwa noted that the county had successfully managed to release the first cohort of COVID-19 patients and their contacts, and urged the community to welcome back the patient and those who had been in isolation to avoid stigma.
County Director of Medical Services Dr. Stephen Ndolo also appealed to the community to assimilate the patient and those who had been in isolation, and avoid stigmatization that leads to trauma.
Erick Mwendwa, who had been quarantined at Makindu KMTC, hailed the health workers for the care and support they received during the ten days they were under isolation.
