Total number of confirmed coronavirus rise to 59
Nairobi, Tuesday March 31, 2020 – The Ministry of Health has today confirmed nine more cases of coronavirus out of 234 sampled cases bringing the total number now to 59.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Dr. Mercy Mwangangi confirmed that a total of 234 samples from suspected cases of Covid 19 have been analyzed in the various laboratories and tracing of contacts of the 59 confirmed cases is ongoing.
So far the total number of close contacts being monitored stands at 1668. “Out of this number, 508 have been discharged from contact follow up process after completing the 14 day follow up period,” she said and added that the teams are currently monitoring 1160 close contacts of confirmed cases.
The CAS noted that the Government has designated Mbagathi hospital as the main center for those who test positive with bed capacity of 120 beds and plays are underway to equip the Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral hospital with a capacity of 300 beds to boost the capacity.
“We are also exploring the usage of boarding schools countrywide and have engaged county governments to identify boarding schools which will assist in boosting the government’s capacity,” she added.
She explained that the Government is closely working with the county governments to effect the President’s directive in equipping level four and five hospital in response to Covid -19 cases.
We shall also continue to work to ensure that our health workers have the right gear as the front line army in disease control. The government is also in the process of hiring 1000 workers to boost the capacity.
“we are also scaling up acquisition of PPEs for health facilities countrywide and we shall be hiring 1000 health workers to boost capacity in the fight against COVID 19 disease,” she added.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr.Mercy Mwangangi addressing a press conference on update of coronavirus at Afya House and confirmed that nine more people tested positive making a total of 59 cases in the Country.
