This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Tharaka-Nithi County has become the 43rd county in Kenya to report a Covid-19 case, Governor Muthomi Njuki announced on Friday, July 17, 2020.
The patient, a 65-year-old man, was found at his home after mass testing and was one of the 389 new patients announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on the same day.
According to Governor Njuki, the patient had been staying with his family in a village in the county and had interacted with many people as he moved around.
‘We sent 45 samples to Nairobi for screening. One tested positive,’ Governor Njuki said, adding that the man was taken to an isolation centre amid the tracing of his contacts.
Meanwhile, in Mandera County, Governor Ali Roba reported the county’s first death due to Covid-19, a 64-year-old businessman who had interacted with other business people at a local market.
‘Our people are in panic mode so we called this presser to clarify a few issues. Covid-19 is a reality. It is here and is impacting the lives of our people. This is a call to action … we must exercise care,’ Governor Roba told reporters.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and observe health protocols, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and washing or sanitising their hands frequently.
