This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
On July 17, 2020, Citizen TV's Stephen Letoo became the latest high-profile individual to contract the coronavirus, a disease that has been wreaking havoc across the globe.
Letoo, a seasoned journalist, had been at the forefront of covering coronavirus-related news before he contracted the virus.
According to a source close to the journalist, Letoo tested positive for the virus at an unidentified hospital in Nairobi.
Despite the diagnosis, Letoo claimed to be feeling okay, and had even continued with his usual training routine while self-isolating in his room.
“Results came back positive though I feel okay. I have even done my usual training in my room where I am currently self-isolating,” Letoo said in a statement, choosing to maintain his anonymity.
Letoo's diagnosis comes just days after staff at Mediamax Network Limited, the parent company of Citizen TV, tested positive for COVID-19.
“Please be informed that one employee in the Finance Department has tested positive for Covid-19 after exhibiting mild symptoms. The employee has already self-isolated in accordance with home-based care guidelines,” read a memo by the media house.
Journalists, like healthcare workers, are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to their exposure to the public and the nature of their work.
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus, the US Embassy donated 1000 facemasks to the journalist.
