Kenyans in targeted Covid-19 hotspot areas have been urged to avail themselves for testing in order to contain the community spread of the disease. The areas targeted for mass testing include Kawangware and Eastleigh in Nairobi County, and Old Town in Mombasa. The Coronavirus has become fixed in the communities, with 25 more cases confirmed in 24 hours after 1012 samples were tested. 15 are from Nairobi-Eastleigh,8, Kawangware,2, Mathare,1, Kahawa West,1, Umoja,2, Kariobangi South, 1. 10 of the cases are in Mombasa-Old Town,8, Bombolulu,1, and Jomvu,1.
Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi also confirmed 6 more discharges, with total recoveries now at 173. However, she said the government is trying to put in place mechanisms that will remove stigma from the testing practice and will facilitate Kenyans who may not afford quarantine services to be able to undergo social assessment and get care.
The CAS further pointed out that quarantine isn’t meant to be a mode of punishment, adding that the Inspector General is working on ways of dealing with curfew violators, “Quarantine is a public health intervention. Quarantine is not supposed to be a punishment.” It was agreed that the Police IG will set aside facilities to keep curfew violators, who won’t be kept in quarantine facilities anymore.