Coronavirus cases have surpassed the 19,000 mark after 544 new cases were announced on Wednesday. The samples tested in the last 24 hours are 5,259, with cumulative samples tested now at 289,759. The total cases have reached 19,125.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said 340 are males while 205 are females, noting men still carry the highest infection rate. However, he said the number of ladies being infected is steadily increasing. 12 people have succumbed to the virus, the total deaths increasing to 311. Recoveries are now at 8,021 after 113 people were discharged within the last day.
The CS further highlighted that testing had initially slowed down due to the available reagents, which were manual instead of automatic. He also urged Kenyans to be weary of the cold weather, with the chilly season being witnessed in several parts in this country, “It’s possible that the weather being experienced may be part of the reasons infections are climbing up.”
He said during this cold season, flu cases also increase and reach the peak. Due to that, he said it’s key that Kenyans avoid congregating, adding that it played a role in influencing the government’s decision to bar the sale of alcohol in eateries.