This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
Residents of Kibra, a densely populated slum in Nairobi, are gripped with fear following the confirmation of a COVID-19 case at a local health facility.
According to reports, a security guard at the facility tested positive for the novel virus, sparking panic among the residents who rely on the facility for their healthcare needs.
Published on May 24, 2020, the facility, which serves hundreds of patients daily, has been shut down pending fumigation and contact tracing.
The security guard, who is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital, is believed to have contracted the virus after coming into contact with numerous patients while supervising the hand-washing unit at the main gate.
Reports indicate that the guard would often hold children for their mothers who were still washing their hands, further increasing the risk of transmission.
Despite the efforts to contain the spread of the virus, the situation in Kibra remains dire, with rising cases of coronavirus reported in the last four days.
The slum's residents are also accused of disrespecting social distancing rules and gathering in social places, which has contributed to the spread of the virus.
