Learners asked to wear masks as Covid-19, flu cases rise

Several schools have asked learners to start  wearing masks while attending lessons following an upsurge in Covid-19 and flu cases.

Parents whose children are day scholars were also told to ensure the pupils wear masks.

“Due to the prevailing flu condition, please note that all learners are required to have their masks on while in school. All parents and visitors are also requested to put on their masks when visiting the school. Kindly cooperate so as to safeguard one another,” read a message from St. Mary’s Ruaraka School in Nairobi.

A message from another pre-school read: “Kindly ensure that your child comes to school in a mask from tomorrow.”

A spot check by People Daily in a number of private hospitals revealed that patients who were seeking medication for flu had increased in the last two weeks.

At Avenue Hospital, Aga Khan, MP Shah and Mater hospitals, the number of patients seeking medical help, especially children, was rising.

A doctor in one of the hospitals who did not want to be named confirmed that they had recorded an increase in Covid-19 and flu cases.

“We have recorded high cases of Covid-19 and also flu cases but we think it’s because of this weather. The advantage is those who were vaccinated against Covid-19 are recovering faster,” the doctor said.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi yesterday called on Kenyans to observe Covid-19 protocols including washing hands, wearing masks and keeping social distance.

She also stressed the need for people to continue getting vaccinated against the virus.