Health CS Kagwe leads staff in random coronavirus test [Photos]

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe when he was randomly tested for covid-19 on Tuesday evening. 

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Tuesday evening led his staff in being tested for coronavirus.

The move came a few hours after he announced that the confirmed covid-19 cases in the country now stand at 25. No deaths have so far been reported.

The ministry applied random testing to curb coornavirus spread.

Open-air markets like Gikomba, Muthurwa and Burma were also sprayed in a move lauded by residents as a way of taming the disease spread.

Addressing the press outside Afya House, the CS said the nine more patients confirmed today are being monitored at the designated government facilities.

Health Acting Director General Patrick Amoth, who earlier Tuesday received donations on protective gear and masks from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to boost the coronavirus fight.

At the same time, Kagwe announced that the country may take more measures to stop the disease spread.

There are suspicions the country may go on a lockdown.

Residents' major concerns are whether essential services will be available and what will be different from the measures already in place.

Health ministry staff were earlier randomly tested for coronavirus.

At the moment, the emasures set in place emphasise on social distancing.

In Africa, only South Africa has issued notice for a 21-day lockdown starting Thursday.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced earlier on Tuesday that there would be a total national lockdown that would last three weeks.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Kenya as at March 24 were at 25.

As Kenya grapples with the effects of the disease spread on the economy, many have urged the government to set in place measures that will cushion the mwananchi.

So far, public service vehicles have been ordered to carry at half capacity.

The spillover effect was for the matatu operators to double or triple the fare, a situation CS Kagwe said was immoral and unpatriotic.

Food sellers have also been urged not to increase prices.

Many organisations, in a bid to maintain social distancing, have asked staff to work from home.

However, the directive only seems to work for those in formal employment.

For the many who earn daily wages for work done, it is not business as usual.