Hunt on after 5 people who tested positive for Covid-19 flee Old Town with families

Police in Mombasa are now looking for five people who fled their homes in Old Town after testing positive for Covid-19.

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, addressing the press, said the five took off with their family members  – who are now also being sought after – to evade treatment after learning of their status.

“Hapa Old Town, kati ya watu 65, watano wametoroka na familia zao wameenda kujificha. Sasa wameweka maisha ya familia yao katika hali hatari,” said Joho.

[“Here in Old town, out of 65 people, five have now gone into hiding with their families, hence putting them at risk.”]

The incident comes just days after Old Town residents chased away medical personnel from the area opposing the ongoing targeted mass testing.

Old Town was already under close watch after the government declared cessation of movement in and out of the area, but the disappearance of the five has now put the whole county of Mombasa in heightened alert.

Police have since intensified patrols and manning of the roadblocks sealing off the town which is seen as a melting pot for the virus.