Health CS Mutahi Kagwe in Nairobi. [Standard]
There are no coronavirus screening hitches at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has said.
One more coronavirus case has been confirmed, bringing the total number in Kenya to 16.
Some 550 people who came into contact with the patient are yet to be traced.
Kagwe was responding to queries on how prepared the country is to lock out new cases.
In his previous updates on the country’s preparedness in the face of covid-19 spread, Kagwe said all cases in Kenya are imported.
The Health CS addressed the press at Afya House on Monday evening, where he added that authorities are on high alert.
He said it is through screening that a Burundian national was flagged for having coronavirus symptoms.
But Kagwe said citizen discipline is still required as the virus takes two weeks before the person can exhibit symptoms.
He added that one may be screened at the country entry points but still get sick in 14 days.
Kagwe emphasised the significance of the two-week window, which he said is critical in managing coronavirus.
The ban on all international flights starting Wednesday is still effective, except cargo flights.
Countries wishing to evacuate their nationals will have to make arrangements.
Kenyans who will not have come back must observe the guidelines set to reduce the disease spread.
On Sunday, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai emphasised the need for self-quarantine, saying those who do not practice it risk being charged.
At the same time, five people have been placed under mandatory quarantine in Migori county.
The four Chinese and a Kenyan, who was their taxi driver, are locked in a hotel awaiting health practitioners who will test them for coronavirus.
The five reportedly drove from Nairobi to Migori on Sunday.
They are yet to exhibit any symptoms.
County Health executive Isca Oluoch said the five will only be released once doctors give the go-ahead.
The Chinese arrived in Kenya at the beginning of the month and have been self-isolating for two weeks.
But Olouch said documents needed to substantiate the claims were unavailable.
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CoronavirusCovid-19Health CS Mutahi Kagwe
