The Ministry of Health delivered its daily briefing on Covid-19 from Mombasa County on Thursday, July 9, with Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe heaping praise on Mombasa for its response to the pandemic.
It was announced that a record high of 447 new cases of the virus had been confirmed from 3,803 samples tested in the past 24 hours, bringing total cases recorded so far to 8,975. Fourteen new cases were recorded in Mombasa.
The ages of the patients range from a 1-year-old infant to an 88-year-old. This brought that the total samples tested to 200,311. Of the new cases, 282 were men, while 167 were female. This represented a sharp rise since President Uhuru Kenyatta eased Covid-19 containment measures.
Watch part of Kagwe’s address below:
Four more fatalities were recorded bringing total deaths from Covid-19 to 173. An additional 64 patients were discharged from hospital bringing total recoveries to 2,657.
Kagwe noted that his trip was part of a countrywide assessment of the county preparedness that has seen him visit several counties so far.
He also noted that the county was likely to record an increase in visitors following the lifting of the cessation of movement order and, in turn, an increase in cases of Covid-19. The county was urged to ensure it had enough isolation beds to stay ready for any eventuality.
He commended the Ali Hassan Joho-led county government for demonstrating the power of devolution in its proactive response to the pandemic.
He also commended the county’s focus on cleanliness and environmental programs, stating that it was symbolic of the county’s vision to transform itself.
Kagwe further noted strides in the health sector and called for other counties to follow their lead in improving their health facilities and equitable access to health care.
“Mombasa County is well on its way to achieving this and is so far setting the bar. Congratulations,” he stated.
He noted that Mombasa led the 47 counties in terms of the number of ICU beds, ventilators, and other critical equipment. It was also credited with having hired additional health workers under the Universal Health Care program.
He noted the innovation that went into the refurbishment of the Technical University of Kenya campus into a Covid-19 facility, as well as the inclusion of a mental illness ward.
Mombasa Deputy Governor William Kingi had noted the adverse effect the pandemic had on the tourism sector, noting losses and unemployment for many residents who depend on the sector.
The county government was urged to work closely with the county in re-opening the economy and to support affected sectors and businesses to stay alive.
Kagwe acknowledged the situation and revealed his sympathy particularly over the loss of jobs across the county.
“The sooner we can adhere to various measures, the faster we can resume global tourism and revive the global economy,” he asserted.
