ODM leader Raila Odinga has tested negative for covid-19 after taking the tests on Sunday.
The politician took the test at KEMRI in Mbagathi Hospital and the negative coronavirus results came out today.
“Just received my Covid-19 test results which came back negative. I commend KEMRI and Professor Matilu Mwau of the Testing Centre, for the professionalism and efficiency displayed. Once again, I appeal to all Kenyans to take tests, sanitize and observe social distancing,” the former opposition leader said via social media.
Raila also urged Kenyans to get covid-19 certificates to help in flattening the curve.
“A Covid-19 certificate is becoming an important document as we continue battling the pandemic,” Raila said.
However, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen urged the Ministry of Health to warn Kenyans that covid-19 certificates were only valid for 7 days.
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“The Ministry of Health should issue a public warning that covid-19 test results (certificates) are valid for 7 days at most. Otherwise, politicians will mislead the public,” Murkomen said on Monday.
In response, KTN Medical Journalist Dr Mercy Korir said a covid-19 certificate is only important at the time of testing and does not guarantee that someone will not get the virus in future.
She added that a negative covid-19 result does not mean the person does not have the virus, it just means the virus was not detected at the time of testing.
“The results just say that at the time of testing, the virus was NOT DETECTED. It does not necessarily mean that you don’t have it or will not get it. It’s like a certificate of Good Conduct, it is only valid at the time of testing/getting it. (It is)not futuristic at all,” said the medical journalist via social media.
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