NEW LOCKDOWN FOR KENYA

The Ministry of Health has said that the rising cases of Coronavirus in Kenya might lead to further restrictions.

CS for Health Mutahi Kagwe said that the rising numbers signify an impending health crisis. He termed the second wave as alarming. Acting Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth echoed the same sentiments adding that the government might be forced to institute harsh measures since most Kenyans are disregarding health protocols.

Speaking to Saturday Nation, Dr Amoth said, “Everything is on the table; it is a question of which one to deploy.”

“The worst of course is a total lockdown, which causes severe socio-economic disruptions, but if the government is pushed to the wall… you heard France again re-imposed a lockdown. Germany too,” he added.

Kenya saw a total of 53797 cases on Friday as the daily tally stood at 1,185. The country has lost 981 patients in total. 17 patients lost their loves because of the pandemic on Friday.

The rising numbers are being attributed to the relaxed following of health protocols.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to hold a critical meeting with governors to discuss the rising cases of covid-19 and how to manage this second wave. Lockdown and stricter curfew hours are among the measures likely to be deliberated.

Dr Amoth has urged Kenyans to take care of their own health. “Critical care costs Sh75,000 per day at a minimum. The large proportion of the cost is contributed by used protective gear,” he said.

“It is the community health volunteers who are supported by counties that provide the care. That is the best approach for us going forward because majority of our patients are asymptomatic and, therefore, we can be able to manage them at home and reduce the cost and also ensure,” he added.

If the cases continue rising, the president will have no option but to lockdown the country. Europe is also facing a surge in infections with strict measures and lockdown imposed in France and Germany.