This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
As of April 20, 2020, mass testing for COVID-19 has started at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Mombasa, targeting all 5,000 staff after two employees succumbed to the virus last week.
The exercise aims to identify and isolate potential cases, with the first phase focusing on 1,000 staff. Prior to the mass testing, 157 staff in the Medical Services Department were tested, with results expected on Tuesday.
According to KPA's acting Managing Director, Engineer Rashid Salim, seven staff members had been confirmed to be COVID-19 positive, with four being KPA staff and three contracted cleaners working at the Port.
Salim stated that all patients are being treated at the Coast Provincial General hospital and are responding well to treatment. Additionally, 64 KPA staff were in quarantine facilities within Mombasa, and two staff members had lost their lives to the disease.
Salim emphasized the importance of adhering to strict protocols, including temperature checks for all individuals entering the Port and fumigation of key equipment and areas. The Port Health has also implemented measures to ensure that all necessary protocols are observed by ships scheduled to call at the Port of Mombasa.
Kenya had recorded 270 positive cases for COVID-19 and 16 deaths by Sunday, highlighting the need for swift action to contain the spread of the virus.
