Kenya extends curfew as minister asks citizens to stop self-medicating
Friday July 30 2021
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe gives Covid updates at Harambee House in the capital Nairobi on July 30, 2021. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU | NMG
Kenya on Friday extended the curfew Friday until further notice as the country continued to record high cases of Covid-19 infections.
Curfew hours will continue from 10pm to 4am countrywide, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe said.
The country recorded 945 new cases in the last 24 hours from 7,295 tests carried out. The positivity rate rose to 13 percent.
Kagwe in a briefing also warned that due to increased number of infections, most healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. He urged Kenyans to observe health guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.
The CS further warned Kenyans against self-medicating.
"Seek medical attention from qualified healthcare workers. We have lost a few individuals as a result of not following this particular measure," he said.
As a result of increased cases, the country reviewed guidelines, including suspending public gatherings and in-person meetings. Places of worship have been asked to allow only a third of its capacity with at least a one-metre physical distance between people.
All restaurants and eateries are also expected to operate in strict adherence to rules from the Ministry.
Kenya has now recorded a total of 201,954 cases.
216 more patients recovered bringing total recoveries to 188,438, while 16 more people died raising the death toll to 3,926.
1,712,550 people had been vaccinated as of July 29, with having 1,058,280 received their first doses while 654,270 have been fully vaccinated.