This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On April 23, 2020, the Ministry of Health in Kenya issued a warning against over-reliance on hand sanitizers, emphasizing the importance of washing hands with soap and water for maximum hygiene.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangagi made the announcement while reporting 17 new COVID-19 infections, mainly concentrated in Mombasa.
“While sanitizers are effective, soap and running water are the best in fighting this disease. People must therefore start prioritizing washing hands, and only sanitize in conditions where sanitizing could be useful,” she said.
The health ministry also emphasized the need for wearing masks, which are now mandatory in public places, and adherence to social distancing guidelines, measures that have had a positive impact in the fight against the virus.
Kenya has so far registered 320 coronavirus cases, with 12 of the 17 new cases reported on Thursday traced to Mombasa.
