Kenya agrees to pay coronavirus quarantine costs

Kenya's government says it will now start covering the costs of people sent into quarantine because they are suspected of having coronavirus.

The move is aimed at encouraging more people to come forward for testing, as many were afraid to do so in case they turned out to be positive and were sent into expensive quarantine.

Since the start of the pandemic, many people have been stuck in isolation centres long after they were supposed to leave because they cannot afford the bills.

Most government isolation facilities are charging at least $20 (£16) a day.

This has led to desperate scenes over recent weeks, with some of those in quarantine threatening to jump from the windows of high-rise buildings.

Turnout for mass testing in low-income areas of the capital, Nairobi, and the city of Mombasa - the virus hot spots - has been poor.

The health ministry also recognised that many people could be staying at home while sick instead of seeking treatment for fear of incurring costs, after it was reported that two Mombasa residents had died from Covid-19 at home.

Kenya has confirmed a total of 582 coronavirus cases, including 26 deaths and 190 recoveries.