This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, a crisis unfolded at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, where 41 health workers tested positive for Covid-19, prompting a go-slow by the remaining staff.
Acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth revealed that the 41 positive cases were from a batch of 290 samples screened, with 100 more staff 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.
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 has asked nurses to stay away from the hospital until proper measures, including provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fumigation, are put in place.
