Mass testing in counties set to kick off

Machakos County is set to kick off mass testing exercise for
COVID-19 infections.

Governor Alfred Mutua confirmed on Monday that Machakos
stadium will serve as a testing centre for the coronavirus infections

“As we embark on preparing for any rise in the number of Covid-19
infections, the Machakos County Government has converted Machakos stadium into
a health facility,” said Governor Mutua.

The county boss said the stadium will house temporary mass
screening and treatment areas and will be able to isolate those who are found
positive and treat them for mild and non-critical conditions.

“We have taken this step to free up our Machakos Level 5
from being a treatment and isolation centre. This will protect other patients
from being infected too. It is out of experience from other hospitals where
bacteria and viruses have been spread to patients who are suffering from other
conditions,” said Mutua.

He added that the county has all the required testing kits and
all looks set to begin mass testing after a go ahead from KEMRI.

“We have all the required equipment and personnel for mass screening,
sample analysis and results provision. We are therefore waiting for a go ahead
from KEMRI to begin,” added the governor.

Machakos Health officers fully dressed in PPEs. Image|Courtesy

Governor Mutua added that his administration has also
established measures to curb the rate of infections, which include closure of
county boarders, and initiation of door to door screening.

Meanwhile, due to non-compliance with national and county
prevention rules and measures, Machakos County shut down Joska Market, in a
move to help curb the spread of the virus.

The county has 6 confirmed coronavirus infections, adding up
the country’s 281 cases.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, while confirming 11
new infections on Monday, said the virus has started manifesting itself in the
across the country and “it is not only a Nairobi disease”.

“The reason why I have mentioned the specific areas for the
infection is to notify you that this is not a Nairobi disease. We all need to
stay safe by observing the set guidelines to keep the virus at bay,” said CS
Mutahi.