11 deaths and 156 new Covid cases as ministry says surge expected in January

 

Kenya recorded 11 new Covid-19 cases on the first day of the new year, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe announced on Friday.

Another 156 people have tested positive for the virus out of a sample of 4,317.

This brings the total cases to 96,614.

The number of fatalities has risen to 1,681 with the 11 fatalities.

During a press briefing at Afya House on Friday, Kagwe also announced the ministry has reached an agreement with clinical officers to call off their strike.

Kenya Union of Clinical Officers national chairman Peterson Wachira said, "This is not an end in itself... but it's a journey we are taking to ensure the attainment of universal coverage..." 

Clinical officers are to be given adequate PPEs, medical cover and group life insurance.

There are plans to register their CBA in court soon.

Meanwhile, Kagwe said a surge in Covid-19 cases can be expected in January.

"The reality is we can expect a bit of a surge in January, but hope it slows," he said.

He also said Kenya has ordered vaccines which will not be mandatory.

Healthcare workers and police will be prioritised.

Kagwe said Kenya will not rely on the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, but is in negotiations with a China firm among others that have been approved.

On reopening on schools on Monday, Kagwe said masks are now part of uniform.

"When you are sending your child to school, a mask is part of it, and ideally, two reusable ones... the government will support those who are unable (to buy masks)," he said.

Kagwe said for classes that cannot cater for social distancing, learning will take place outside in playing fields.