Lower Covid-19 Infections Raise Hope For a Jittery Nation

Coronavirus cases continue to fall steadily in Kenya, offering a ray of hope for possible flattening of the infection curve sooner than expected.

On Sunday, 6^th September 2020, only 83 people tested positive for COVID-19 from a sample of 3,093, bringing to 35,103 the total number of confirmed positive cases in the country so far. This is a marked drop from the highs of over 700 recorded in the last few weeks as the curve seemingly hit the peak.

One step at a time

The reducing figures are music to Kenyans jittery about their lives and livelihoods as well as a government that has been dithering in managing the pandemic. This has set the stage for more relaxation of movement restrictions but health observers say Kenya should not celebrate too soon as a new wave of reinfections can be sparked by sudden relaxation in observing basic rules of wearing masks, social distancing and hygiene.

Schools and colleges remain closed while public gathering ban is still in force. As the nation slowly moves from the ashes of the pandemic, authorities are expected to take well-calculated steps to avoid reversing the gains so far being made in reducing infections.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said of the new infections 77 are Kenyans and six foreigners aged between one and 85 years. The cumulative COVID-19 tests since the pandemic hit the country in March stands at 474,477.

“From the cases, 77 are Kenyans while six are foreigners. In terms of gender, 58 are males and 25 females. The youngest is a one-year-old child, while the oldest is 85” said the Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

Three deaths were reported even as another 72 patients recovered.

“Today, 72 patients have recovered from the disease, 39 from the Home-Based Care Program, and 33 have been discharged from various hospitals. Total recoveries now stand at 21,230. Sadly, 3 patients have succumbed to the disease, bringing our fatality to 597. Our condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their loved ones”, said the CS.

Nairobi county still leads with 27 cases, Busia 15, Kisumu 12, Nakuru 7, Machakos 7, Kiambu 5, Laikipia 3, Kisii 3, Kirinyaga , Mombasa , Nyandarua , and Uasin Gishu have a case each.

The cases in Nairobi, are in Langata (5), Westlands (4), Dagoretti North, Embakasi West and Kamukunji (3) cases each, Roysambu (2), Dagoretti South, Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Kasarani, Makadara and Ruaraka estates have a case each.

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In Busia, the 15 cases are in Teso North (7), Matayos (6) and Teso South (2). In Kisumu, the 12 cases are in Kisumu West (6), Kisumu Central (5) and Kisumu East (1).

In Nakuru, the seven cases are in Naivasha (4), Nakuru West (2) and Rongai (1) while in Machakos, the cases are in Machakos Town (6) and Kathiani (1).

In Kiambu, the five cases are Kiambu Town (3), Kabete and Lari (1) case each. In Laikipia, all the three cases are in Laikipia East, while the 3 cases in Kisii, are all in Kitutu Chache South.

The case in Kirinyaga is in Mwea East. Mvita constituency in Mombasa has one case, whereas the case reported in Nyandarua’s is in Kinangop, and Soy in Uasin Gishu County.

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