This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Published on May 5, 2020, the Kenyan government has announced its readiness to accommodate hundreds of citizens expected to return from abroad as the country's Covid-19 case load inches closer to 500.
According to the latest figures, the national tally of confirmed cases jumped to 490 after 25 more cases tested positive, with 15 cases reported in Nairobi and 10 in Mombasa.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi revealed that all the new cases were Kenyans with no history of travel, indicating the extent of community transmissions.
The cases are distributed across various locations, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Umoja, Kawangware, Kahawa West, Kariobangi South, Old Town, Bombululu, and Jomvu.
Health ministry officials have put in place measures to address public apathy towards testing, citing concerns over the high costs of quarantine.
Dr. Mwangangi assured that those unable to pay for quarantine services will be taken care of through a social welfare programme.
"We're trying to put in place mechanisms that will remove stigma from testing and facilitate Kenyans who will not afford quarantine services," she said.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth announced that isolation sites will be reopened to cater for returning citizens from tomorrow.
Dr. Mwangangi emphasized the importance of taking precautions and practicing containment measures to stop the infections.
She urged Kenyans to observe social distancing, wash hands, stay at home, and wear face masks in public places.
