This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On May 16, 2020, the Kwale county government launched a coronavirus testing exercise at the border with Tanzania.
County Secretary Martin Mwaro called on the national government to increase the supply of coronavirus testing kits to enable the county to conduct a mass testing campaign.
The county has acquired 500 covid-19 testing kits and aims to expand the testing exercise across the coastal county once more kits arrive.
According to Mwaro, the exercise was being hampered by a lack of enough testing kits, despite having sufficient trained human resources.
He emphasized the need to speed up the coronavirus testing exercise at the crossing points to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
During a tour of LungaLunga town, Mwaro was accompanied by County Executive Committee member for Health Francis Gwama.
Gwama stated that the county was well-prepared to counter the pandemic and had already opened a 60-bed covid-19 unit for isolation and treatment at Msambweni County Referral Hospital.
The county has so far recorded two cases of the coronavirus pandemic.
Truck drivers and travelers from Tanzania through the Horohoro one-stop border point at LungaLunga are required to undergo mandatory testing or produce compliance certificates.
"Drivers entering Kenya have to take a covid-19 test before continuing with their journey. After taking the test, they have to wait for 48 hours for their results. The testing is free," said Gwama.
Those who test positive are taken to the covid-19 dedicated unit at the Msambweni hospital for specialized treatment and isolation, while those who test negative are allowed to continue with their journey.
Meanwhile, the county received medical equipment from Plan International Kwale branch, including facemasks, spraying pumps, gloves, disinfectants, and sanitary products for girls.
