This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, the Kenyan government announced a new directive requiring Covid-19 tests for patients seeking admission to public hospitals.
The move comes as the country's confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 700, with 28 new cases reported from 841 samples.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman explained that the tests will be done to prevent unknown transmissions and protect healthcare workers.
“This will be implemented as soon as possible and issues of cost will have to be discussed because, as you are aware the tests are not cheap,” he said.
Dr. Aman also raised concerns about 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.
One more patient died in Nairobi, bringing the total deaths to 33, while 251 have recovered from the virus.
