This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
Kenya's Ministry of Health announced a significant increase in Covid-19 cases on August 3, 2020, with 544 new cases recorded out of 2,653 samples tested in the preceding 24 hours.
Health CAS Rashid Aman made the announcement while addressing the media outside Afya House in Nairobi, citing a total tally of 22,597 Covid-19 cases in the country since March 2020.
Of the 544 new cases, 499 were Kenyans and 45 were foreigners, with 315 males and 229 females affected. The youngest case was a 1-year-old infant, while the oldest was 84 years old.
Medical practitioners at a Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on March 6, 2020.
Additionally, 263 patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 8,740, with 176 recoveries from home-based care and 87 from various hospitals.
However, the country witnessed 13 more fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths to 382. Health CAS Aman stated that 10 of the 13 patients had underlying conditions, with some having multiple underlying conditions.
The distribution of the 544 positive cases by counties was as follows: Nairobi 412, Kiambu 27, Machakos 17, Kajiado 17, Garissa 16, Uasin Gishu 14, Mombasa 9, Nakuru 8, Nyeri 5, Narok 5, Makueni 4, Laikipia 2, Muranga, Kilifi, Busia, Embu, Bungoma, Kisii, Kwale, and Meru had 1 each.
Health CAS Aman warned patients with respiratory diseases to take care of themselves during the cold season, citing the upsurge in TB as a contributing factor to the rise in Covid-19 deaths in Kenya.
"Cold seasons like winter can infect lungs and worsen the risk of infections. Tuberculosis is on the rise during this cold season. During this season, Kenya has witnessed the rise of TB as it is an airborne disease," Aman stated.
He also warned against congregations and urged Kenyans not to light fires to warm themselves in their homes, stating that smoke was a trigger for lung diseases.
Aman reiterated that everyone needed to wear masks and stay warm by wearing warm clothes during the cold season.
"You can also drink a lot of water to remain hydrated and also take physical exercises," Aman urged.
