Coronavirus preparedness simulation at Mbagathi and KNH: Government gives update on Coronavirus situation in Kenya

The Government, through the office of the spokesperson, Col. Cyrus Oguna on Sunday, 15 March 2020 gave an update on coronavirus preparedness simulation exercise.

In an update through its social media account, the government spokesman clarified that the simulation that was planned for 15 March 2020 at Mbagathi Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital is no loner necessary (hence has been canceled) as there is already a coronavirus patient.

The update on Twitter reads in part that “Simulation Exercise at KNH & Mbagathi - Considering there already is a patient being attended to at the facility, the previously planned simulation exercise is no longer necessary & has since been called off. Further information shall be provided in due course”.

The Government spokesman clarified that an update on the coronavirus preparedness that was planned to take place today at Mbagathi Hospital had also been canceled.

“Further to our update, even the media update scheduled at Mbagathi has also been called off. #covid19kenya” added the update.

File image of Government Spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna Pulse Live Kenya

Media houses had been advised to send two teams to cover the events that were planned to run concurrently.

“To cover the simulation effectively, the media houses are advised to send two team, each to cover activities at KNH and the other to cover activities at Mbagathi. The media houses are encouraged to provide live coverage”. Read the invite to the event that has since been canceled.

Yesterday, the government confirmed that so far only one case has been confirmed in Kenya. The patient is currently undergoing treatment at the infectious disease unit of Kenyatta National Hospital.

The Ministry of Health has traced 22 close contacts and quarantined at Mbagathi Hospital.

File image of medics wearing protective gear at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi where an isolation and treatment centre for the new coronavirus was set up on March 6 Pulse Live Kenya

Specimen obtained from the 22 have been taken to KEMRI laboratories for testing.

23 individuals of different nationalities who were in the same flight with patient zero have also bee traced and advised to exercise self-quarantine for the next 14 days.

The ministry of health, in collaboration with other partners have put in place a call center to enhance communication on Covid-19. The public can reach the call center by dialing 719 for audio messages and *719# for short messages across all networks.