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Nine more people have succumbed to Covid-19, according to the latest Health ministry update.
The deaths now stand at 234 as the case load rose by 603 to 13,353.
The 603 cases, which is the second-highest number reported in a day, are from 5,724 samples with 243,887 tests done so far.
The highest number of cases was recorded on July 18, 2020 where 688 people tested positive from a lesser sample size of 4,522.
“Today’s summary of Covid-19 situation shows infection are rising. We continue to appeal to Kenyans to carry on with the precautions and containment measures,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe in the update released yesterday.
Since July 6 when economy was reopened, 70 people have died and there have been 5,286 new infections. The peak of the pandemic is expected to be between the end of July and mid-August in Kenya.
However, barely a week after reopening, the country reported not only an increase in cases, but deaths and a surge in critically ill patients.
Last Saturday, the number of patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was 40, which has been constant since July 9. The highest number of deaths reported, after reopening of the economy on July 13, remains at 12.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows three in every 10 patients, who ends up in the ICU dies and at least two in every 10 Covid-19 patients will end up in the ICU in need of oxygen supplement or mechanical ventilation.
Using the projection by President Uhuru Kenyatta of hitting the 200,000 and 450,000 infection mark, which was used on June 6 to extend restrictions by 30 days, it means the country should anticipate between 3,600 and 8,100 ICU cases.
However, with about 500 ICU beds, 442 as of June 30, it is not clear how the country will cope with this demand.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth said while the situation is contained at the moment, a surge will cause trouble.
“If the number increases, we might not have enough medics to manage it,” said Dr Amoth.
CS Kagwe, while flagging off vehicles to assist in sample collection and surveillance of Covid-19 in the counties on July 13 when the country recorded the highest tally, said the government is ready.
“We are in control. The countries are in control. We thank God that our hospitals have not been overrun,” said Kagwe.
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