Kenya on Saturday reported 28 new COVID-19 case from tests conducted over the past 24 hours, bringing the country's total number to 649.

The figures were announced by the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Rashid Aman.

Dr Aman also noted that one more person has died from the disease, raising the country's fatality number to 30.

"The positive cases show that the virus is beginning to establish itself firmly within our communities. In order to stop the cycle of transmission, I’m appealing to Kenyans to present themselves for testing and to observe the containment measures as advised by the ministry," Dr Aman said.

The CAS reiterated calls by health authorities urging Kenyans to wash their hands, observe social distancing, wear face masks, stay at home and avoid gatherings.

Kenya is one of 52 African countries that have reports cases of COVID-19. The continent has registered more than 54,000 infections and over 2,000 deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Globally, the number of COVID-19 cases are closing in on 4 million, with the death toll exceeding 275,000.

Source(s): Ministry of Health - Kenya