This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Lockdown Looms If Kenyans Don't Change ¶
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that a lockdown may be imposed in some regions if Kenyans do not change their behavior and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.
Speaking in Nakuru, Kagwe said that the decision to impose a lockdown would depend on people's behavior, not counties' preparedness.
He was reacting to assertions by Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya that restrictions on movement may be reintroduced in some counties because they are not prepared to tackle an upsurge in cases.
According to Kagwe, the surge in COVID-19 cases was expected after the restrictions were eased, and the decision was reached after several considerations.
"The easing of the restrictions was not intentionally aimed at increasing the number of cases, but it is because we believed that Kenyans had reached a level of knowledge and preparedness to enable them to take care of themselves," Kagwe said.
He reiterated the need for Kenyans to take personal responsibility to protect themselves and their families by observing the measures put in place by the government and the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that freedom comes with responsibility.
On Thursday, Kagwe announced eight deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours and that, out of the 3,895 tests that had been conducted, 421 turned positive, bringing the national tally to 11,673.
Out of the cases that turned positive, 409 were Kenyans while 12 were foreigners. A majority of them (297) were male.
"Most of those who fail to observe social distancing and to wear masks are men," Kagwe blamed the high number of males.
Nairobi continues to record the highest number of cases, with the total tally now standing at 6,491, followed by Mombasa with 1,783 and Kiambu with 640.
