This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
Kenya has confirmed 7 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infected people to 303. The cases were identified after analyzing 707 samples in the last 24 hours.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the new cases, stating that the government has launched a mass testing program targeting high-risk areas, including health workers. The program aims to test 250,000 people between now and June, with a focus on community-based surveillance in 100,000 households.
Kagwe expressed concern over the actions of some individuals who are undermining the government's efforts to combat the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to prevent a resurgence of cases.
"We refuse to sit back and will continue to inform Kenyans of what they should do to flatten the curve," Kagwe said. "In times such as these, we have to be alive to the effect of what the measures taken have done to our people."
He also highlighted the need for collective responsibility in the fight against COVID-19, comparing Kenya's numbers to those of its neighbors. "This past week alone, we have seen significant changes in infections in our own neighbourhoods, where COVID-19 cases in Somalia have multiplied nine-fold in a week, and in Tanzania, the numbers have swollen sevenfold," he added.
According to Kagwe, the virus may move at a slow pace but can also take off at high speed, as seen in Spain. He assured Kenyans that the government has established psychiatric and psychological care services, including a hotline (1199) for those in need of support.
