This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
On June 27, 2020, Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua announced the sealing off of Shalom Hospital in Athi River, citing the deaths of Covid-19 patients.
According to Dr Mutua, the decision to close the hospital to new patients was made after consultations with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and officials from the Ministry of Health.
"Last night, my Government, after consultations with the Kenya Medical Practitioners & Dentists Council & the Director-General of Health, sealed off Shalom Hospital in Athi River following deaths of some patients due to Covid-19," Dr Mutua stated.
He further revealed that some inpatients who were not suffering from coronavirus had also tested positive for the disease.
"Other inpatients have also tested positive for Covid-19 and the fear is that the patients were infected while in the hospital. A health worker has also tested positive," Governor Mutua added.
As a result, the hospital has been converted into a quarantine facility, and no one is allowed to enter or leave the premises.
"The Hospital is now a quarantine facility and therefore no one is allowed to get in or leave the hospital," Dr Mutua emphasized.
Patients will be tested, although the process may take longer than expected, and the public has been urged to be patient.
