This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the Kenyan government announced a significant relief measure in the fight against Covid-19. Testing and quarantine in public facilities are now free for those suspected to be infected with the virus.
The move aims to encourage more Kenyans to get tested as many had expressed fears of being forced to foot steep bills at quarantine centres if they test positive. This comes as the country continues to record double-digit increases in new infections.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement, stating that the cost of targeted testing and government quarantine facilities would be met by the government effective immediately.
Hours after the announcement, the National Assembly passed a motion compelling the government to pay the bills for people taken into mandatory quarantine. The motion, moved by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, exempts those isolated due to violation of social distancing and curfew rules.
Kenyan patients traveling from abroad in the coming days will be allowed to isolate at home and other facilities as advised by their doctors. The CS expressed concern over patients staying at home while sick, stating that two people have died of Covid-19 at home in Mombasa, raising the death toll to 26.
Acting Director-General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, warned that people dying of the disease at home posed a grave danger to those around them. He urged those with symptoms to call the Covid-19 helpline.
A record high of 47 new cases from 1,564 samples was announced on Wednesday. The ministry said 32 of the cases were recorded in Mombasa, 11 in Nairobi, two in Busia, and one each in Kiambu and Kwale.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced that cargo drivers must be tested at least 48 hours before travel and be issued with a Covid-19 free certificate that will be valid for 14 days.
