NAIROBI —Kenya’s Health minister Mutahi Kagwe has announced that confirmed coronavirus cases of had risen to 303.
Seven more cases were confirmed, with 707 samples tested in the last 24 hours.
He said all the seven cases were Kenyans.
Mr Mutahi also disclosed that nine more patients were discharged after recovering from infections, raising the total number of recoveries to 83
He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) projections of millions of infections in Africa was probable considering how the cases multiplied in Somalia and Tanzania.
“The World Health Organisation warned that despite the seemingly slow pace of infections in Africa, the number of Coronavirus cases could surge from thousands to 10 million within three or six months.
“While this is a projection, it might as well be a reality in the coming days,” stated Kagwe.
“As a government, our planning and actions are informed by global trend and our own analysis. A slight lapse in behaviour could roll back the gains we have made this far. This disease is calling for our total undivided commitment and unity,” he added.
He further announced that the country had acquired 25,000 mass testing kits and the state was targeting to test 250,000 people by end of June.
“Regarding mass testing, the exercise is ongoing, targeting mass areas which include healthcare workers. We currently have 25,00 testing kits which shall be deployed for this activity.
“The government has today directed restriction of movement inside and out of Mandera County,” announced Kagwe after the total cases in the county rose to 8.
A statement from the Ministry of Health also appealed to Kenyans to treat all patients who are discharged from the hospital with love and care and should not discriminate against them.
“Treat all those who got out of hospital or quarantine with love and care. Protect those who are vulnerable and provide support when required,” read the statement in part.
