Schools Face Uncertainty As Kenya Experiences A Second Wave
Kenya is facing a second wave of coronavirus infections, just weeks after lifting tough restrictions meant to limit its spread. Kenya’s health minister on Sunday warned the country was headed for tough times after reporting more than 600 new cases and several deaths. Some experts say it might be challenging to reimpose restrictions.
In late July, Wanjohi Githae, a Kenyan journalist, was at a social gathering when he hugged a friend. “In fact, it was not only me. It was a group of us who got sick. Social friends, so we realized that we were in a social place and someone came and hugged us. Then that individual told us that they had been tested in the office, and we don’t know what is happening,” he said.
Githae became sick and was admitted to the hospital, where he was administered oxygen to help his breathing. The journalist said that after months of the coronavirus, people have forgotten all health protocols.
“People have lowered their guard, and it’s unfortunate. I think this is because the reason why people seem to be lowering their guard is we do not know who got sick. People will say they don’t know anyone who is infected, but for the few people who had someone, a family relation or a colleague, they are taking precautions,” he said.
Health officials raised the alarm after the country recorded hundreds of new cases in recent weeks and eased protocols meant to limit transmission.
At least three secondary schools in Mombasa County have been shut down over COVID -19 infections, days after the country re-opened learning institutions countrywide.
Several teachers from Star of the Sea Girls’ Secondary School, Mama Ngina Girls’ High School and Tononoka Boys’ Secondary School were on Wednesday reported to have contracted the virus leading to the closure.
According to reports, at least 11 teachers from Tononoka and four others from Mama Ngina were confirmed positive for the infectious disease.
County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said samples from teachers of Star of the Sea school had been taken for analysis.
Education CS George Magoha disclosed that the government shelved plans to fully reopen schools after concerns over rising daily Covid-19 cases. However, Grade Four, Class 8 and Form 4 candidates were directed to continue with classes in preparation for national exams.
On Monday, September 28, while addressing the National Covid-19 Conference, the Head of State detailed that he would not hesitate to escalate containment measures in case the Covid-19 cases surged.
