243 more test positive to virus as two perish

The number of coronavirus confirmed cases in the country now stand at 34,057, after 243 more people tested positive from 4,424 samples conducted in the last 24 hours. 

In a statement to newsrooms, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said of the new cases, 239 are Kenyans while 4 are foreigners; adding that the country’s cumulative tests now stand at 450,146.

“From the cases, 180 are male and 83 female. The youngest is a one-year old baby, while the oldest is 83 years,” Kagwe said.

Nairobi, which is the epicentre with over 70 per cent of the national case-load leads with 81 cases followed by Kiambu (26), Embu (20), Makueni (18), Nakuru (15), Nyeri (13), while Taita Taveta and Busia have 10 each.

Mombasa had nine cases, Garissa (8), Kajiado (7), Kisii (6), Kitui, (6) , Tana River (5) , Migori (4), Machakos (3) and Lamu (3).

 Kagwe said that two more patients had succumbed to the disease taking the number of deaths to 574. 

However, 98 more patients have recovered, which now brings the number of recoveries to 19,688.

“We thank our healthcare workers for the good work that has enabled us to achieve these results,” Kagwe said in his 162^nd briefing. 

“Unfortunately, we have lost two patients to the disease. Our condolence to the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones,” he said. 

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to continue observing containment measures such as regular washing of hands, wearing of face masks in public places and maintaining social distance at all times.