COVID-19 death toll hits 1,629 as Kagwe urges caution

11 more patients have succumbed to coronavirus in Kenya raising the death toll to 1,629.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the country’s caseload has risen to 93,761 after 356 more people tested positive.

“Though we are hopeful that vaccines will be here soon we must continue to take precautions. Let’s not drop our guard during this festive season. We must be extra vigilant so that we do not lose more people,” the CS said during a Press briefing.

CS Kagwe offered his condolences to the family of Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama who succumbed to COVID-19 complications on Friday morning.

He urged the clergy to continue praying for 852 patients currently admitted to various hospitals across the country. 49 of them are in Intensive Care Units (ICU) while 39 are on supplementary oxygen.

Speaking during the opening of Santamore Surgical Hospital at Kenol town in Muranga, CS Kagwe further offered assurance that the ministry will continue to work to address the issues of health care workers.

He welcomed the court order stopping the doctors strike saying that engagement to find amicable solutions is underway and health workers should resume duty.

“Those who have been on strike resume work to avoid losing your jobs,” he said.

With regards to the latest coronavirus cases, the CS said 5,768 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.