Dear Kenyan, Stop Giving False Contact Information

Dear Kenyan, Stop Giving False Contact Information

As the Kenyan government moves beyond the 'lockdown' phase, only testing and surveillance will allow the country to really know the level of spread.

However, during the health ministry presser on Sunday, Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman brought to the fore a worrying trend, one that could fuel the spread of COVID-19.

Kenyans turning up for the mass Covid-19 testing are on the spot for providing incorrect contact information, effectively derailing contact tracing. 

"Once the results are out, such individuals become unavailable. This is serious considering some of them have tested positive and we are unable to trace them," he said.

Contact tracing has helped slow or stop previous pandemics, such as SARS and Ebola outbreaks. But it's never been more critical -or more challenging - than in this fight against Coronavirus. 

It is an indispensable part of breaking the chain of a pathogen's transmission and getting society back on track. 

The Ministry of Health has been appealing to Kenyans in high risk areas to come forward and be tested, as the true picture of the Coronavirus disease in the country will only be known through testing.

But such actions could very easily erode the gains made in containing the virus. 

Given the cost of testing, quarantine, isolation and treatment in a government facility being met by the GoK, it's time Kenyans also cooperated in curbing the contagion. 

Knowing your status is important to protect you and others around you. 

The areas targeted include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kajiado, Kwale and Migori Counties among others. 

As of May 27, Kenya had cumulatively confirmed 1,471 COVID-19 cases from 67,341 samples tested so far.



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