After carrying out 3,270 test as at May 3, the governor revealed that 95% of the individuals who had tested positive for Covid-19 were asymptomatic (they did not show any symptoms).
“According to our analysis, 95% of Covid positive patients in Mombasa do not exhibit any symptoms and mostly asymptomatic. However, transmission still occurs in these circumstances.
“Old Town Mombasa has become an area with a high number of positive cases (42) and deaths (7) in Mombasa. It is for this reason that we have embarked on the voluntary mas testing of our citizens there,” reads an excerpt of Joho’s statement.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho flanked by Mombasa politicians Suleiman Shabhal and Mishi Mboko as they inspect a public spray booth at the Likoni Channel. April 6, 2020
The governor went on to reveal that despite his government’s efforts, only 194 people from Old Town had presented themselves to be tested.
In an attempt to address the stigma faced by Covid-19 victims, the governor encouraged his county residents to remember that they were all friends and family and that the disease was treatable.
“The people of Old Town are our family, relatives and friends. They are not victims but beneficiaries of enhanced government measures to combat Covid-19. I wish to urge and implore our people to participate in this exercise,” the statement further reads.
Joho further announced that his government had fully catered for the free mass tests, and reiterated the importance of individual’s getting to know their status.
His government has also identified 227,000 households that are in need of emergency supply of essential items.
“We are very aware that our people are going through a trying time with reduced working hours and loss of daily wages.
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho pictured with Police Inspector-General Hillary Mutyambai after the police donated 400 bales of flour in Mombasa on March 15, 2020
“To try and address this, we have embarked on the Emergency Household Relief and Nutrition Support Program. This is a feeding program to try and meet the basic nutrition needs of 227,000 pre-identified households in Mombasa during this pandemic,” reads a section of the governor’s statement.
On Friday, May 1, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, stated that according to data from his docket, 7 in 10 cases (71%) of Covid-19 positive cases did not show symptoms.
Dr Majid Twahir, the Associate Dean for clinical affairs and chief of staff at Aga Khan University Hospital, during an interview, stated that people who present with mild or no symptoms (asymptomatic) could be categorized as the most dangerous in regard to the risk of transmission.
Kenya’s confirmed Covid-19 cases passed the 500 mark, with Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi announcing 45 new confirmed cases on May 5, bringing the total tally to of confirmed cases to 535.
Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi during a press briefing outside Afya House, April 2020.
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