As countries think about lock-down, China is opening up

As Kenyans come to terms with the rising cases of coronavirus, the picture painted in China is quite different.   During his daily updates on the disease in the country, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (pictured) has constantly said more needs to be done to flatten the curve and reduce spread.   However, China seems to be opening up while other countries are thinking about lock-downs.   By March 2, Kenya had confirmed 29 more cases of the coronavirus, bringing the national tally to 110.   The government tested 662 samples within 24 hours, when 29 turned out positive.   Twenty eight of those were Kenyans and one Congolese.   Kagwe warned that the cases are going to rise exponentially in the coming days, asking Kenyans to remain calm and follow the set guidelines by the Health Ministry.   The virus was first reported in Wuhan, China, last December.   While economies are crumbling under the pressure of coronavirus, questions are being raised on whether the worst of covid-19 has passed.   According to an article on CNN, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied claims that the country may not be sharing genuine reports on the spread or containment of the virus.   She said the country has been "giving open, transparent and timely updates to the world."   Hua criticised the concerns on the numbers, saying those accusing China of fabricating the figures are politicising public health.   "It is immoral and inhumane to politicize public health, which should be condemned by all in the US and beyond," Hua added. "I hope they will lose no more time and focus instead on fighting the pandemic and saving American lives."   As the numbers in Kenya soar, those in China look albeit promising.   In parts of Asia, mask-wearing has been a key response to the outbreak, with Japan's government announcing each household would get two reusable cloth versions, and Hong Kongers not only wearing them but sending them to relatives abroad.   The use of masks in parts of Asia with relatively low numbers of infections and deaths from the virus, including Japan and Hong Kong, has led some to theorise mask-wearing is making the difference.   According to the China Health ministry, out of the 82,000 that were reportedly infected, 76,000 recovered.   But in a move that seems motivated by pressure from outside, the country has again said there could be virus carriers who are yet to exhibit symptoms.   This statement may mean there would be a second wave of infections as the country opens up while others are locking down.