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Murimi Mutiga @murimimutiga

Number of coronavirus infections have risen to 374 after 11 new cases were confirmed yesterday. 

Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rashid Aman said seven of the  new cases were reported in Nairobi and four in Mombasa.

The CAS raised concern over the transmission in the two counties which are the worst-hit by the disease in the country, despite stringent measures to curb spread.

In the daily briefing on Covid-19 status, Aman, said 10 more patients recovered and were discharged, raising Kenya’s total number of recoveries to 124.

Of the 11 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, two are children aged three. Some 589 samples were tested. 

Aman  attributed the growth of infections in Nairobi and Mombasa to failure by residents to adhere to the government guidelines and protocols aimed at taming the spread of the virus.

“It’s important to note the trend of the new positive cases has been restricted to Nairobi and Mombasa.

This is indicative of increased local transmission in these two counties. We have, therefore, enhanced contact tracing, surveillance and infection control management in these counties,” he said.

In Mombasa, all the four cases were reported in Kibokoni area while in Nairobi, they are distributed in  Kawangware (4) and one each in Eastleigh, Manji and Kaloleni estates.

“We, therefore, want to ask residents of these areas to take extra measures to avoid contracting the virus,” said Aman.

The CAS said people aged between 30 and 59 constitute the highest number of infections, accounting for 224 cases, translating to 50 percent of the 374 total cases.” Those aged between 15 and 29 years make 99 of the positive cases.

Containment measures

In total tally, Nairobi is still leading with 241 cases followed by Mombasa (97),  Kilifi has (9), Mandera (8), Kiambu (5) and Kajiado (3).

Nakuru, Siaya, Kwale and Kitui counties have two cases each while Uasin Gishu, Kakamega and Homa Bay have one confirmed case each.

In terms of the 10 recoveries, Aman said it was a pointer that Covid-19 is treatable.

“There is no need to stigmatise this disease. However, this is not the time to celebrate and lose sight of the ball.

The enemy is still in our midst. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary that we continue to strictly observe the containment measures that have been advocated by the Ministry of Health,” said the CAS.

Aman reiterated the government’s plan on partial reopening of hotels and restaurants, which he said must meet set standards of hygiene and safety.

He said the government was working on a plan for the mass testing of staff at the eateries.

Globally, the number of coronavirus infections topped three million Tuesday, with more than 200,000 deaths.

In Africa, the number of coronavirus infections stood at 34,359, with 1,475 deaths by last evening.

The virus has confined nearly half of humanity at home as some governments in the West mull easing lockdowns