This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
Kenya has recorded a significant surge in coronavirus cases, with the total number rising to 963 after 51 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, the new cases are spread across 23 counties, with Nairobi accounting for 470 cases, Mombasa 331 cases, Kajiado 43 cases, and Wajir 16 cases, which are believed to have originated from Somalia.
Kagwe announced that a mobile lab has been deployed at the Namanga border, and plans are underway to deploy another one in Naivasha to enhance testing and tracking of the virus.
Of the 214 positive cases detected at the Kenya-Tanzania border, over 180 are foreigners, with two new cases reported in the Daadab refugee camp and one in Meru County.
The total number of fatalities now stands at 50, with five of the deceased having underlying conditions, Kagwe said.
There have been 22 more recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of those who have fully recovered to 358.
Kagwe emphasized that the government will not de-escalate the cessation measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, despite the significant increase in cases.
He noted that Mombasa now has more fatalities than Nairobi and that mass testing is focused on areas where the government believes it is necessary.
"We have a totally well-coordinated National Government approach. This is not just a Ministry of Health approach," Kagwe said.
The government has also announced that it will not allow people to enter the country without a COVID-19 free certificate.
Published on May 19, 2020
