Government gives updates of the Coronavirus situation in Kenya: Here are the key statistics and facts

22 Quarantined, 23 passengers traced: Government gives updates of the Coronavirus situation in Kenya

Charles Ouma

March 14, 2020 6:13 PM

Here are the key statistics and facts

File image of Government Spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna

The government of Kenya has given an update of the coronavirus situation in Kenya, sharing key statistics and facts a day after the first coronavirus case was reported in Kenya.

In a press briefing held on Saturday 14 March 2020 at Kenyatta National Hospital, the Ministry of Health stated that Kenya’s reparedness is at its best, all the relevant government agencies and partners working together to respond to the pandemic.

Flanked by representatives from World Health Organization, Red Cross, World Bank, Kenya Private Sector Alliance amongst others, Government Spokesman, Cyrus Oguna reiterated that high standards of hygiene adopted at individual level is key to preparedness and defeating coronavirus.

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.

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.

Members of the public have also been urged not to consume or circulate fake news making news on scial media, but instead rely on government agencies (Ministry of Health and the Government Spokesman) for credible information.

Oguna added that the government will give daily updates on the rapidly-evolving situation.

Below is the full statement.