This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi was plunged into crisis after 41 staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
Acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth revealed the alarming tally of cases, stating that the remaining workers would also be tested.
Out of 290 samples screened, 41 staff members tested positive, while 100 more were yet to be tested.
Staff members expressed concern over the discovery of coronavirus cases, with some lamenting that they had been forced to remain on duty despite the risk.
"We have a major problem here at Pumwani Hospital where I work. The government started testing staff for Covid-19 and the number of positive cases is rising," said a staff member who wished to remain anonymous.
Workers are now living in fear, unsure of the extent of infections at the hospital, which puts pregnant mothers admitted in the wards at risk.
"Tension is high at the facility because management has stopped releasing any more results. This has left us in a dilemma as we do not know who among us could be infected," said another staff member.
The National Nursing Association of Kenya (NNAK) secretary general, Alred Obengo, criticized the facility's management for its "careless and dangerously casual attitude" towards staff safety.
"We cannot blame the government and the CS for sending the workers into an unsafe environment. The blame for this particular crisis squarely lies with the unit managers in the affected areas," said Mr. Obengo.
The Association is now advising nurses to stay away from the hospital until proper measures, including provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fumigation, are put in place.
