This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, Kenya recorded its highest daily rise in new Covid-19 infections since March 13, with 66 cases reported.
The cases, which brought the national tally to 1,029, were spread across 10 counties, including Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kajiado.
Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth announced plans to test small-scale vendors, who he believes may be agents of community transmission of the virus.
“Most people visit mama mbogas for groceries and they are at risk of getting infected and infecting others because of the manner in which people touch the commodities,” Dr Amoth said during a coronavirus briefing in Nairobi.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe appealed to the vendors to ensure their clients do not touch and contaminate their produce.
“Assume that anybody entering your kiosk or touching your nyanyas (tomatoes) and sukuma wiki is positive and deal with the situation. Everyone you attend to should be wearing a mask,” Mr Kagwe said.
The government has also extended the ban on movement in and out of Eastleigh in Nairobi and Old Town in Mombasa until June 6.
Additionally, Kenya received two mobile laboratories from Germany through the German Development Bank, which will be taken to Namanga and Naivasha to boost tests on truck drivers.
