This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On Saturday, Kenya reported a total of 50 coronavirus deaths, marking a significant increase in the country's COVID-19 toll. The deaths occurred within a 24-hour period, with 5 patients succumbing to the disease.
As the country grapples with the pandemic, the number of newly detected COVID-19 cases surged to 49, with 7 more patients discharged, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 301.
According to President Uhuru Kenyatta, 481 active cases were still under isolation and treatment. The total number of registered cases stood at 832.
"It is disturbing to note that close to 30 per cent of these recorded deaths occurred at home. The life of every Kenyan is precious. I together with millions of Kenyans mourn for the lost dreams cut short by this disease," President Kenyatta stated.
Globally, the coronavirus has claimed over 300,000 lives and 4.7 million infections have been recorded.
As part of containment measures, the President extended the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew until June 6, as well as cessation of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Mandera, and Kwale counties.
He also ordered the closure of Kenya-Tanzania and Kenya-Somalia borders to all passenger traffic following increased infections in border counties.
President Kenyatta noted that among positive cases registered in the country this week, a total of 43 had originated from neighboring Somalia and Tanzania.
"As of yesterday, the cases across the border were distributed as follows, Wajir 14, Isebania 10, Namanga 16, Lungalunga 2 and Loitoktok 1," he said.
The 832 reported cases are spread across 22 counties, with Nairobi leading with 402 cases, followed by Mombasa with 269 cases.
