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Reuben Mwambingu and Monica Kagia

In the wake of the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Italy, Kilifi County which hosts a large Italian community in Malindi town, has embarked on a sensitisation and safety campaign.

Following Kenya’s suspension of  flights from North Italy, specifically Verona and Milan, following the global coronavirus outbreak, the Italian community has taken steps to contain any fear or panic that might arise.

Kilifi health executive Anisa Omar said even though there is no reported case in the county, preventive measures are necessary for the safety of the general public.

She said a County Disaster Rapid Response team has been formed and is on standby to deal with the coronavirus threat.

Speaking in Kilifi, Omar said the county was exploting avenues of vulnerability after the national government advised that an isolation centre be established there.

So far, she said, her team has organised training for the health care workers on how they should approach patients in case of a reported case.

‘’We are in contact with the ministry headquarters in Nairobi which is providing 21 kits,’’ she said.

Omar said special attention is being given to Malindi airport where a team of health officials has been deployed to monitor arrivals adding that there are advanced plans to  sensitise the entire county.