A record 167 people tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe said on Sunday.
The Health CS said that the high number is as a result of highly-targeted testing.
CS Kagwe said that a high number of men have so far tested positive compared to women.
Further, Kagwe said that 46 patients were discharged from the hospital, bringing to 752 the number of patients who have recovered from the disease.
However, the national death toll rose to 84 after one person succumbed to the virus.
“We urge the 47 county Covid-19 response teams meet to ensure that they meet the 300-bed capacity recommended before the country eases restrictions,” said Kagwe.
The Health CS lauded Nyumba Kumi and government administrators for doing a splendid job keeping vigilance to ensure that travellers from Covid-19 hot spots are not allowed in the communities before being quarantined.
Kagwe also urged counties to borrow a leaf from Machakos County which has purchased hospital beds made by local artisans.
The national government also revealed that it is in the process of implemented new Covid-19 protocols released by the World Health Organization.
According to the new WHO protocols, patients who are still positive but have been in quarantine for 14 days can still be released from treatment centers because they are not contagious.
Home quarantine
The Ag. Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, said that home-based care is not a new health protocol.
Dr. Amoth said that coronavirus-positive patients will be released from hospitals given that they have a mild form of the virus, are asymptomatic and do not have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Those released must adhere to regulations, including the use of personal protective equipment, Dr. Amoth said.
The Director-General of Health said that those released must have a designated facility where they can seek further care if any need arises.
