Coronavirus: A driver leaves Malaba only to test positive after arriving in Kirinyaga

A long-distance driver whose samples were taken at Malaba on Sunday tested positive for coronavirus, after arriving in Kutus, Kirinyaga County

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said the case is the first in the county.

The 55-year old male is said to have arrived in Kirinyaga on May 17, after his samples were taken at Malaba border town. It was not immediately clear how the driver was allowed to proceed his journey before the results were released.

Response team traced him at a maize milling factory in Kutus on Wednesday where he had interacted with other people including a guard and a storekeeper.

“He took the Covid-19 test on May 17 at Malaba border and proceeded with his journey before the results were out, which should not have been the case,” said Governor Waiguru in a statement.

The National Influenza Center and Kirinyaga Covid-19 team have since moved the patient to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital.

The County also tracked two close contacts for a 14-day quarantine at Kerugoya Referral Hospital. The County Government fumigated the flour mill and closed it for four days

Two revenue officers who contacted the driver at Sagana are also under a quarantine.

Governor Waiguru called for strictness in manning border points as the case in Kirinyaga could have been avoided.