Eat healthy to fight virus, urges CAS Mwangangi
Bernard Gitau @benagitau
The government has urged Kenyans to eat healthy and exercise to keep Covid-19 at bay as the country recorded 72 new cases, the second highest figure since the first case was reported.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi said the surge in number is not good for the nation hence should be of concern for all.
“Let us pay attention to what we eat. We have guidelines at the Ministry of Health, please utilise them to boost your immunity together with physical exercise,” said Mwangangi.
She said those with underlying health conditions such as HIV/Aids, malnutrition, and cancer are at great risk hence nutrition is key to boost their immunity.
With alleged cases of unsafe food being distributed in various parts of the country, the Director of Public Health Kepha Ombacho warned those going against the government directive.
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“There is procedure on how food distribution is carried out in the country. The food must be tested by Kenya Bureau of Standards among other agencies and channeled to one point for distribution,” said Ombacho.
In the last 24, a total of 72 new Covid-19 cases were registered after 2,711 samples were tested bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases to 1,286.
The government has tested a total of 61,971 samples.
Mwangangi said of those who tested positive, 70 are Kenyans, one Somali and an Ugandan.
Nairobi ranked top with 52 new cases where Lang’ata constituency recorded the highest with 21 cases hence becoming the hot spot in the capital city for Covid-19.
In Nairobi, the cases were spread as follows: Lang’ata 21, Dagoretti North 15, Dagoretti South one, Kamukunji four, Kibra four, Embakasi East two, Kasarani three while Makadara and Mathare had one case each.
Mombasa cases are distributed thus: Mvita (three), Nyali (four), Kisauni (three) and Changamwe (one).
In Kiambu, Limuru has two, while Githunguri, Kabete, Ruiru, Thika and Kikuyu have one case each.
Turkana becomes the latest county to register a Covid-19 case at Kakuma bringing a total number of counties with the cases to 29.
Mwangangi said the country has made great stride by increasing the number of testing laboratories, from the initial two to the current 20 centres in strategic counties.
On Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Acting Director of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said local manufacturers have bridged the gap and reduced the cost of purchase substantially.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amoth took the opportunity to thank World Health Organisation (WHO) for being elected as a vice president of the executive board of the world body, to represent Africa.
Amoth said he will push the agenda of Kenya, East Africa and Africa, which he said is facing high disease burden. He will serve for two years, ending 2022.
