Nairobi is yet to hit the peak — Prof Omu Anzala speaks on Covid-19 cases in the capital

Prof Omu Anzala, an expert in Virology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi, on Tuesday stated that Nairobi is yet to hit the peak in Coronavirus infections.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station, Prof Anzala did not commit to a figure but said that we will realise we have hit the peak when we record steady numbers over time then a decline will follow.

Initially, projections by experts suggested that Nairobi was likely to record 2000 cases per day by August but that is yet to be reached.

This might be attributed to the number of samples tested because at the moment, the virus is domiciled in the community.

“Nairobi is yet to hit the peak…different counties will peak at different times. If you look at Mombasa in recent months…it is a clear indication that it reached its peak and is now steady and with time the numbers will decrease,” said Anzala.

He, however, expressed hope that most counties are prepared to fight the virus although Nairobi is about to be overstretched.

“To some extent some counties are ready; about 30-40 counties are about ready in terms of having in place all these measures that we have spelt out.

“Counties must be ready to not just look at where the infection is but also be able to do contact tracing,” he said.

Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua on Tuesday opined that Nairobi should utilize resources effectively as it fights Covid-19.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Mutua said there were conversations about flying patients to neighbouring counties for treatment but some got more resources to contain the virus.

“There’s a conversation of Nairobi County admitting its patients in neighboring counties but looking at the resources given for preparation to Nairobi it’s a lot more than Machakos.

“Why can’t it get its act together & convert stadiums to hospitals?” he asked.

Adding: “We do not want to take the burden of others…but if a place is overwhelmed I am willing to accept anyone.”