22 people have been quarantined at the KNH isolation Unit at Mbagathi Hospital after coming into close contact with the first coronavirus patient. The first coronavirus case was confirmed on Friday and the patient is currently receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital. According to the Health Ministry, 22 people who came into close contact with the patient have been traced and are currently quarantined. Their blood samples have also been taken and are currently undergoing tests at the KEMRI laboratory.
23 other people of different nationalities who were on the same flight as the patient when she jetted back to Kenya on 5th March have also been traced and advised to undertake self quarantine, “The Ministry’s rapid response team is following them upon a daily basis until the 14 days are over,” said Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
The patient’s apartment at Ongata Rongai has been fumigated according to the Health CAS, and the patient is in a stable condition. Two counselling centres have been set up, one at KNH and another at Mbagathi Hospital and counselors have been dispersed to offer any needed help for quarantined patients and their families. The government has also set up a call centre to enhance communication on the coronavirus, dialing 719 for audio messages. Ministry of Health emergency team hotlines are 0729471414 and 0732353535