Another 20 held at Thika and Makongeni Police cells test positive of COVID-19

20 out of the over 70 inmates whose tests were done last week from Thika and Makongeni Police stations have turned positive of the coronavirus.
Out of these cases, 17 are from Makongeni Police Station with Thika holding 3 of the results that have already been released.
The cases are expected to rise after all the results are received. The stations are yet to receive the outcome of the rest of the inmates and those of 25 police officers who were tested last week following the discovery of the initial two cases.

The 20 are now receiving treatment at the Thika Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Isolation Centre.

On July 9, two people held at the two stations tested positive for COVID-19 and transferred to KU Referral Hospital.

Considering that these latest victims are convicts and remandees who have to be taken to court now and then, there is concern among the officers that there might be a spike in the spread of the virus within and without the stations. The same officers who interact with the inmates on a daily basis later mingle with fellow officers and the general public.
Those who spoke to 3T in condition of anonymity feel the need for the Ministry of Health and the Public Health Department to conduct some mass testing among the officers as well as any of the suspected contact.