The country is currently experiencing what is suspected to be the seventh wave of Covid 19, with an increase in the number of positive cases being reported.
The Lake Region Economic Bloc released a report that showed a modelling of the wave, suspected to reach its peak in mid-December 2022 and early January 2023.
Scientists have however stated that the wave might be a mild one, running for at least two months, and about 50 Kenyans will succumb to the disease and a low peak intensity with 1500 daily cases.
Prof Shem Sam Otoi, the Covid-19 programmes coordinator for the LREB counties using his mathematic model revealed that approximately 23,040 symptomatic patients will be hospitalized, 276,480 asymptomatic and 49 deaths.
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The Modelling also revealed that Kenyans who had experienced Covid earlier during previous waves, had exhibited relative immunity to the virus.
“We are already experiencing the seventh wave, the increase in the positivity rate is because the wave is peaking and it is going to be a mild wave, should we observe the measures then we might end up recording fewer cases, but the wave is already here with us,”
“Many people have been vaccinated and they have been exposed to the virus, the wave will be mild,” stated Prof Otoi.
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792 samples were tested on Monday, 85 of which turned out positive for Covid.
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that a total of about 22, 600,000 doses of vaccines have been administered across the country. Of these, about 18 million doses are administered to adults aged 18 years and above
An additional 2,703,842 doses are administered to those between 12 years to below 18 years while 1,622,806 are booster doses.
Dr Patrick Amoth, acting Health director-general, asked Kenyans to heed preventive measures and ensure that they do not forget that the virus is still here with us.
“We need to continue washing our hands and observe social distancing when in public places. I am not saying that there is an outbreak but let’s observe all the measures,” said Amoth.
Prof Otoi further recommended people eligible for booster shots to get vaccinated.
“Increased rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 to manage patients before they need hospitalization and also encourage people who are eligible for booster shots to go for them while increasing efforts to vaccinate children who can act as reservoirs of the virus and infect,” Pro Otoi added.
Experts have now called on Kenyans to revisit the measures to avoid severe symptoms asking the government to increase vaccination drives and reinstate mask-wearing in public places.