COVID-19 cases cross 52K mark as CS Kagwe warns on second wave

COVID-19 cases cross 52K mark as CS Kagwe warns on second wave

Kenya’s coronavirus caseload crossed the 52,000 mark on Thursday as Health CS Mutahi Kagwe sounded the alarm over a second wave of the disease.

According to the CS, Kenyans have dropped their guard and are no longer adhering to COVID-19 containment measures.

“Numbers are going up. We are on a second wave. Private hospitals are already stretched out and the faith we have in our own public sector is wanting.Yesterday (Wednesday) positivity rate was at 15 per cent. This week alone 54 people have died. 14 have died today (Thursday) raising the death toll to 964,” he said during a Press briefing.

He revealed that 761 more people had tested positive raising the country’s total to 52,612.

The latest cases are from 4,830 samples tested in the last 24 hours.

The CS further stated that 35 people are in intensive care (ICU) while 18 are on ventilatory support.

“It is obvious that something has gone amiss. The spread of the disease is largely in crowded areas..entertainment areas…When we treat this disease normally it will treat us abnormally,” he warned.

In regards to the Extraordinary Session of the National and County Governments Co-ordinating Summit, the CS said the Health ministry will give further directions after the review on the resurgence of COVID-19 infections is concluded.

He however reiterated that key management of COVID-19 patients is through home based care adding that those with no symptoms should not be restricted to hospitals.

“If you expose yourself those who will take of you is your own family…it is now a family responsibility. All the family members will leave you in your RM..move beds, to create a room for you..you will inconvenience your people,” he warned.

“If you want to bribe someone because you don’t wear a mask. It’s squarely your responsibility. In order for us to keep the economy going please let us wear masks,” the CS urged.

He also noted that most Counties have done well in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 with some having achieved the 350-bed capacity as directed by the President.

He however urged the national government through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to look into reducing the cost of health care saying Kenyans pay millions seeking services in private facilities.

“If they are paying Ksh.800 at Kenyatta National Hospital they should pay same at Nairobi Women’s or Aga Khan. If we do that we will be able to address the issue of our doctors. We are committed to a successful Universal Health Care program. Let us all work to deliver the promise of UHC,” the CS added.

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