This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
Kenya has confirmed 15 new positive cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 296. The new cases are from 545 samples tested in Kenya in the last 5 hours.
Among the new patients are seven from Mombasa county, two from Mandera, and six from Nairobi county. The Health Ministry is following up 730 contacts of the new positive cases.
Fortunately, five patients have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 74. Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi spoke about the pandemic during a press conference on Tuesday.
Dr. Mwangangi noted that despite the pandemic, some Kenyans still do not believe the virus exists. She also stated that young Kenyans are disregarding health guidelines, thinking they are safe.
The Health Ministry has activated the Nyumba Kumi initiative and will utilize technology to track and surveil individuals who are congregating post-curfew hours.
The authorities are aware of malicious activities surrounding the mask trade, where some traders recycle and sell used masks to unsuspecting members of the public. The Health Ministry will soon disclose guidelines on how to properly dispose of face masks.
