State to test health workers as Kagwe closes golf clubs – KBC

All health workers handling Covid-19 cases including those in private hospitals will be tested with immediate effect.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe in his daily briefing announced further measures including closure of all golf clubs and club houses. Caddies who he said are at a higher risk of contracting the virus are not allowed into the clubs.

Open air sporting clubs with walking fields have been directed to observe social distancing.

Majority of walking clubs are in affluent neighborhoods and have been ordered to restrict numbers.

“Open air sporting clubs with walking fields must observe social distancing. Managers of the walk in clubs must restrict numbers. Golf clubs have been abused and must closed with immediate effect. No candies allowed” the CS said.

Mass testing

The CS said they have embarked on mass testing in the four counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale listed as red zones.

Rapid response teams and staff in all facilities holding quarantined persons will be tested too.

“Mass testing is the next step in the four counties but we are beginning with medical personal to isolate cases with infection. Getting the virus is not a death sentence, but it means you can pass the virus to others very quickly,” said the CS.

Kagwe made the announcement as 14 people tested positive bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 172. Majority of the cases are mild with one person in the intensive care unit under ventilation but out of danger.

Three more patients have been discharged after turning negative. Youngest patient so far is 2 year old and oldest 72 years while the case fatality rate is low at  2-3 per cent.

Mandera County in North Easter n joins the list of counties with Covid cases after two people who have traveled from Mombasa to the county tested positive.

Kagwe reiterated the sacrificial role played by healthcare workers who are the front line soldiers against COVID-19 and assured them of government support and protection.

He said no healthcare worker will go to high risk zones without protective gear.

“We want to thank all our health workers for working tirelessly under difficult circumstances to fight coronavirus. We will support you to enhance your performance” said  CS Mutahi.

More update to follow