This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Kenya's COVID-19 cases surged to a record high on June 10, 2020, with 473 new infections reported, pushing the national tally to 9,448.
The Health Ministry confirmed the new cases after testing 6,979 samples in the last 24 hours, bringing the total samples tested to 206,584.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the new cases during an inspection of Kilifi County's COVID-19 preparedness, where he also declared 76 more patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,733.
Unfortunately, 8 more patients succumbed to the disease, bringing the national fatalities to 181.
CS Kagwe led Kenyans in mourning the demise of a Kenyan doctor who was the first medic to succumb to the virus since the outbreak.
He also commended healthcare workers who are on the frontline in the battle against the pandemic.
According to CS Kagwe, 42 out of 47 counties have recorded coronavirus cases, with Nairobi leading with 5,188 infections.
During the inspection, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi hailed his administration for moving swiftly to combat the virus after it became the first county to record a COVID-19 case.
However, Governor Kingi noted that while the President's decision to reopen the country is decisive, it is also very risky, and urged Kenyans to adhere to the imposed health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
CS Kagwe eulogised the fallen doctor, saying, 'It is a sad day for all of us and we ask God to protect their families. Let us all pray for our health care workers. On behalf of the nation and the government, I send condolences to the family of the fallen doctor.'
