Woman tests positive for virus at border

A businesswoman from Eldoret who crossed to the country through Lunga Lunga from Tanzania has tested positive for Covid-19.

The 42-year-old woman is said have driven to Lunga Lunga in her car on April 23 seeking clearance to get back home.

She is now recuperating at Msambweni County Hospital where officials said she is responding well to treatment.

Kwale, under which Lunga Lunga falls, has now recorded two coronavirus cases. The other one was an elderly man from France who has since been evacuated to his country. 

Kwale County Chief of Public Health Juma Mbete said the woman was immediately put in isolation when she said she had travelled from Tanzania. 

"She is fairing on well and health workers are doing their best to ensure she is okay and so far so good," said Mbete.

He further said Tanzania authorities have been notified to trace all her contacts in the country.

Cases of the virus have been on the rise in Tanzania with 480 confirmed by yesterday evening while 16 others have succumbed. 

Last week, four people were placed under mandatory quarantine at Lunga Lunga Boys Secondary School after crossing into the country from Tanzania. Kwale County Commissioner Karuko Ngumo said the four would remain in quarantine until their results confirm otherwise. 

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has expressed concern of people crossing over from Tanzania, warning that the border was becoming a transmission route.

Mr Mvurya urged security agents to ensure screening was done for everyone coming through the border point.

“We shall only win this war if we follow government directives," he said.