Kenyan Nurses Attached to Coronavirus Isolation Ward Stage Go-Slow

Nurses attached to the coronavirus isolation ward at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi have staged a go-slow citing fear of contracting the virus.

The health workers complained they have not been provided with protective gear and were yet to undergo proper training on how to handle Covid-19 patients.

Addressing the media on Monday, Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) secretary-general Seth Panyako said the nurses will boycott work until they are provided with protective gear as well as training on how to handle people infected with Covid-19.

“Nurses are the most exposed workers in hospitals,” said Panyako.

“With no protective equipment gear, how are they supposed to protect themselves at the workplace and their families too when they go back home?”

22 people believed to have come into contact with a 27-year-old Kenyan woman who became the first coronavirus patient in Kenya are currently quarantined at Mbagathi Hospital.

On Sunday, the country confirmed two more cases, increasing the number to three. President Kenyatta said the two had contact with the first case.

The three patients are receiving treatment in an isolation facility at Kenyatta National Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.