The Ministry of Health during its daily press briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic held on Tuesday, April 21, announced that confirmed cases of the virus in the country had risen to 296
Fifteen more cases were confirmed, with 545 samples tested in the past twenty four hours.
Of the new cases, 11 are Kenyan citizens while 4 are foreign nationals. Seven are male while 8 are female.
Seven of the new cases were from Mombasa, with six from Nairobi and two from Mandera County.
Nine of the new cases were identified by surveillance teams from the ministry while 6 were from quarantine centers.
It was further revealed that five more patients had fully recovered.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi called for Kenyans to take personal responsibility to combat the virus, decrying the fact that some young people were deliberately breaking curfew.
"I'd like to remind you that we are in a war situation against an enemy that is no respecter of age, race, status, gender or religion," she stated.
Observing the marked increase in Covid-19 cases from Mombasa, Mwangangi stated that it was proof of local transmission.
" It's true we are seeing an increased number of cases in Mombasa, pointing to the fact that we have established local transmission. Communities need to take charge but it is important for every Kenyan to take personal responsibility," she stated.
She also took time to thank shopping outlets which had moved to provide hand sanitizers for their clients.
Supermarkets and banks were, however, urged to come up with systems to ensure proper handling of cash and other items such as stationery by tellers and equipment.
In addition, Mwangangi announced that the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) had initiated a new program dubbed 'Saa Sita' that will see Kenyans take time every week to clap in honour of medical workers, mirroring a practice seen in the United Kingdom.
Kenyans will be clapping for the healthcare workers every Wednesday at noon.
