This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
COVID-19 Death Toll Rises Amid Rising Cases ¶
Kenya has reported a record 12 COVID-19 deaths in a single day, bringing the total death toll to 197. The country has also confirmed 189 new cases, taking the total number of infections to 10,294.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, all 12 deaths were recorded in Nairobi, with nine occurring in hospitals and three in communities.
Mr. Kagwe also announced that 65 more patients had been discharged from hospital, raising the country's total number of recoveries to 2,946.
Regarding mass testing, the minister noted that there are no charges for testing, with private labs and government hospitals offering the service. In government hospitals, the cost is Sh1,000.
Mr. Kagwe warned that a state of denial about the existence of the virus will have devastating consequences, urging Kenyans to take individual responsibility in preventing the spread of the disease.
He also defended the government's decision to end a cessation of movement order, saying that people cannot be forced to understand the existence of the virus.
On contact tracing, the CS said that 13 counties will receive vehicles worth Sh102 million for transport, and that the major challenges in finding the contacts of COVID-19 patients are logistical.
He also noted that there is a surplus of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in the country, and that no hospital in Nairobi has reported a shortage of PPEs.
Published on July 13, 2020
