COVID-19 positivity rate now at 22.1pc as Kenya records 1,127 new cases

Kenya’s COVID-19 positivity rate is now at 22.1percent after 1,127 more people tested positive in the last 24 hours from a sample size of 5,390.

This raises the total confirmed cases to 123,167.

According to the Ministry of Health, 25 more patients succumbed to the virus: three were reported in the last 24 hours while 22 were reported on diverse dates. 

Total number of fatalities is now at 2048. 

210 people have however recovered from COVID-19 pushing the total number of recoveries in the country to 90,586. 

The cases are distributed as follows: Nairobi 575, Nakuru 99, Kiambu 92, Machakos 66, Kisumu 47, Uasin Gishu 45, Nyeri 32, Mombasa 25, Kirinyaga 18, Nyandarua 14, Kitui 14, Kajiado 12, Turkana 11, Taita Taveta 10, Kericho 10, Meru 9, Kilifi 9, Kakamega 7, Trans Nzoia 7, Nandi 6, Siaya 4, Murang’a 3, Elgeyo Marakwet 2, Homa Bay 2, West Pokot 2, Embu 1, Garissa 1, Laikipia 1, Kwale 1, Vihiga 1 and Busia 1.

In terms of Sub County distribution; the 575 cases in Nairobi are from Westlands (78), Kibra (71), Starehe (63), Embakasi Central (38), Dagoretti North (36), Mathare (35), Lang’ata (34), Kasarani (33), Kamukunji (26), Ruaraka (25), Makadara (24), Embakasi East (23), Roysambu (22), Dagoretti South and Embakasi West (19) cases each, Embakasi South (16) and Embakasi North (13).

In Nakuru the 99 cases are from Nakuru East (28), Naivasha (23), Nakuru West (22), Nakuru North (17), Molo (8) and Njoro (1).

In Kiambu the 92 cases are from Thika (41), Kiambu Town (12), Kiambaa and Ruiru (8) cases each, Juja (7), Kikuyu (6), Kabete and Lari (4) cases each, Limuru (2). In Machakos the 66 cases are from Machakos Town (22), Kalama (15),

Currently, there are 1,090 patients admitted across various facilities in the country;  135 others are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

While addressing the media on Tuesday the ministry of health CAS Dr. Rashid Aman said  that the Third Wave is in its early stages and the Ministry expects a rise in positive cases. 

He cautioned Kenyans against participating in any form of gatherings saying that Kenyans need to be extremely careful in order to protect themselves and others. 

The latest comes against a backdrop of a warning from the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) that there are no spaces left within Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the country.

On Tuesday, Acting Secretary General/CEO Chibanzi Mwachonda urged all members of the public and the political leadership to adhere to COVID-19 protocols to save healthcare workers.

“The rising numbers of COVID-19 infections have not spared healthcare workers. 10 doctors are currently admitted to various hospitals yet we are at a point where we need many doctors in the counties,” he said during a Press conference on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Mwachonda, Kenya is at the tipping point of the pandemic and the union has noted with concern the general state of laxity in adherence to COVID-19 measures in the country.

He reiterated that Aarising number of infections will lead to a high caseload and overwhelm the already stretched healthcare system as evidenced by the lack of adequate ICU units and personnel to handle severe COVID-19 cases.