A number of people who tested positive for Coronavirus gave wrong contact information

The Ministry of Health on Tuesday revealed that some of the Kenyans who tested positive for Coronavirus during mass testing gave wrong contact information.

Health CAS Dr Rashid Aman said a number of patients gave telephone numbers that are out of service and as a result it impossible to track them down.

“We have noted a disturbing behaviour…and a dangerous one. This pertains to persons giving false contacts during targeted testing.

“The cost of testing, quarantine, isolation & treatment in a Government facility will be met by the Government. Any information to the contrary is false & is aimed at misleading Kenyans,” he said.

This means that there are a number of people with the virus but are at large, interacting with the community, oblivious of the risk they are exposing themselves and their loved ones to.

On Tuesday, Kenya announced 62 new cases of the virus. The figure now pushes the national tally to 1,348. Out of the new cases, 45 were male.

The new cases were spread across Nairobi (23), Mombasa (16), Kwale (eight) and Kiambu six), Kajiado (six) and Kitui (three).

Although the campaign faced hitches at the beginning such as low turnout, more citizens have come out for mass testing in Nairobi and Mombasa, which are listed as hotspots.

"This is commendable, and we continue to appeal to all Kenyans to come out and get tested," Dr Aman said.

"The true picture of this disease in our country will only be known through the tests we are currently conducting."

Some of the hurdles in mass testing include residents' fear that should they test positive they will be required to pay for treatment and quarantine.