This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
As the number of Covid-19 cases in Kenya continues to rise, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has taken measures to contain the spread of the virus within its premises.
On July 1, 2020, a mass testing conducted at the Commission House in Nairobi revealed that at least 10 staff members had tested positive for Covid-19.
Following this discovery, the PSC directed all employees to self-quarantine for 14 days from July 13 to July 24. During this period, access to the PSC offices will be restricted, and offices will be fumigated to eliminate possible contamination.
According to a memo dated July 10, all staff and interns will be required to proceed on self-isolation at home. Access to commission offices will be restricted except where there is prior clearance by the Secretary and CEO.
Other state departments, including Ardhi House, have also closed for two weeks in June, while the Survey of Kenya closed in line with the President and Health ministries' directives to curb further spread.
Health officials attribute the current trend to high human traffic within the ministry premises, which may have contaminated the environment and surfaces.
Elsewhere, more than 40 health workers from Pumwani Maternity Hospital have also tested positive for the coronavirus, Acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth has confirmed.
Dr. Amoth said that 41 healthcare workers from Pumwani tested positive from 290 samples, but the remaining 100 staff members will also be tested.
“All these 41 have been on home home-based care isolation and two have been discharged from home-based isolation care. The remaining 39 are doing well,” said Amoth.
