This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, Nakuru County is taking proactive measures to prepare for a surge in cases. According to Governor Lee Kinyanjui, the county is planning to increase the number of isolation beds in designated areas to 1,000 by the end of July.
This move is in line with the Ministry of Health's directive to have at least 300 beds for COVID-19 patients in each county. Governor Kinyanjui emphasized that the county is committed to ensuring that it is well-prepared to handle the pandemic, should the number of cases increase.
During a visit to the construction site of a new hospital in Nakuru, Governor Kinyanjui stated that the county is working to complete the project within the next 60 days. The hospital, which is expected to be completed by the end of July, will have a total of 500 beds, including a specialized ICU unit for critically ill patients.
According to Governor Kinyanjui, the county is also working to increase the number of healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, to ensure that it has sufficient staff to handle the pandemic. He emphasized that the county is taking a proactive approach to prevent the spread of the virus, including screening drivers of trucks carrying goods from the neighboring county of Naivasha.
As of now, Nakuru County has a total of 140 isolation beds for COVID-19 patients, which are located in various hospitals across the county, including Nakuru, Langalanga, Gilgil, Molo, and Naivasha. The county also has 10 high-care beds and 40 ventilators for critically ill patients.
According to the county's records, more than 15 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, with four patients being treated and discharged. Governor Kinyanjui emphasized that the county is taking a proactive approach to prevent the spread of the virus, including implementing strict measures to prevent the movement of people from high-risk areas.
