Random coronavirus screenings to start on Saturday: Mutahi Kagwe

By , K24 Digital
On Thu, 19 Mar, 2020 16:47 | < 1 min read
Mutahi Kagwe
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addresses the press on Thursday, March 12, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL KARANJA | PD
Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addresses the press on Thursday, March 12, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL KARANJA | PD

In the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said it screened eight cases that were all confirmed negative, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe announced on Thursday.

So far, the country has screened over 600,000 people in all entry points, tested 173 of them with only seven cases confirmed positive for coronavirus disease.

Announcing the positive news in a media briefing, CS Kagwe said that the seven people who tested positive are in a stable condition.

"I am appealing to Kenyans who have been advised to work from home to do exactly that. This is not a holiday season," said Mr. Kagwe, who warned against gathering in bars and entertainment joints.

The Health CS urged Kenyans to modify their behaviours in light of the global pandemic, to create social distancing which is key to fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are urging Kenyans to desist from any form of misinformation. These rumours must stop. Member of the press, I appeal to you, to highlight this matter because when you tell people on social media to stay away from a hospital because there is a suspected case...There are people spreading malicious rumours and falsehoods and we will arrest a number of them," said Mr. Kagwe.

The government will also start random screening of members of the public at targeted areas beginning on Saturday, March 21.

The Health CS also reactivated the Nyumba Kumi initiative for social control.