This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Kenya has confirmed 700 cases of coronavirus, a rise of 28 from the previous day, according to Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rashid Aman.
On May 11, 2020, Aman announced that 841 samples had been tested in the last 24 hours, with 28 testing positive for the virus.
The new cases include 10 from Mombasa County, 9 from Kajiado, 7 in Nairobi and 2 from Wajir.
One more patient died in Nairobi, bringing the total deaths to 33, while 251 have recovered from the virus.
Dr. Aman noted that it was day 60 since Kenya confirmed its first Covid-19 case.
He also highlighted the growth in testing capacity, but noted that it was sometimes limited by the availability of reagents, which he attributed to a global problem caused by an increase in demand.
"We have introduced measures to contain such as expansion of testing labs from 2 to 16 and will expand further," Dr. Aman said.
Of the new cases in Nairobi, three were from Kenyatta National Hospital, two from Embakasi East, one from Kibra, and one from Pumwani.
In Mombasa, the new cases were in Mvita, Changamwe, Kisauni, Nyali, and Likoni.
Health Director General (DG) Patrick Amoth also spoke out, warning that patients and health workers were being put at risk due to the lack of Covid-19 testing.
"When people die at hospital they risk infecting health workers and patients at the wards who have a weak immune systems. Admission at a facility may soon require testing so that health care providers are protected," Amoth said.
Dr. Aman also raised concerns over border crossing by members of communities living in counties such as Wajir and Mandera, which are close to Somalia.
"We have noted especially at the border increasing number of positive cases...The communities living along porous borders are urged to be vigilant and report when they see people crossing from the other side so they can be tested," he said.
Tourism CS Najib Balala also spoke out, emphasizing the importance of following Covid-19 protocols issued by the government.
He added that eateries and restaurants will be required to pay for Covid-19 testing at Sh1,000, down from Sh4,000 after the State subsidised the cost.
The government has also launched a WhatsApp service that will contain information on Covid-19, and has urged Kenyans to seek out the platform.
