Counties step up Coronavirus preparedness
By People Reporter, March 19, 2020Counties have heightened their coronavirus preparedness and instituted measures ranging from allocation of funds, closure of markets and bars, identification of isolation beds to dispatch of ward representatives to educate residents.
Kajiado county government has set aside Sh50 million to cater for purchase of protective gear for medical staff in various health facilities.
Governor Joseph Lenku said three isolation centres at the Kajiado Referral Hospital, Kitengela Sub-county Hospital and Ole Kesasi health centre in Ongata Rongai had been set up with two other centres being opened in Oloitokitok and Namanga.
Lenku also revealed that 150 health workers had already been trained on prevention, control and management of the virus.
“Following the first confirmation of Corona virus patient from Ongata Rongai, Kajiado county, I hereby order an immediate closure of all open-air markets, bars and night clubs till further notice to prevent the spread of the virus in the county,” he said.
He added that surveillance had been heightened at Namanga, Shomploe and Loitokitok entry points from Tanzania and six ambulances had been set aside on 24-hour call in case of any suspected cases.
High alert
Kajiado is among the 14 counties placed on high alert for coronavirus. Others are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Migori, Kilifi, Kakamega, Wajir, Nakuru and Garissa.
A 27-year-old woman from Ongata Rongai, Kajiado county became the first patient to test positive for the disease in the country on March 13.
In Bomet, the county government has set aside Sh15 million towards containing the spread of the virus.
The funds, Governor Hillary Barchok said, are meant for training, purchase of necessary kits and emergency services across the county.
He further stated that the county had set aside 112 beds in seven isolation centres across the county.
“Our preparedness as a county has not started today or yesterday, we have been on high alert for the last two months. We have put in place necessary measures to avert it,” he said.
At the same time, members of Bomet County Assembly have asked residents not to visit them at their homes during the month-long holiday to avert possible infections of the pandemic. MCAs advised their constituents with any issues to exploit other channels of communication.
Hold meetings
In Vihiga, politicians, led by Senator George Khaniri, County Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi and Vihiga MP Ernest Ogesi have asked residents to avoid public gatherings.
They faulted the government for failing to put strict measures at Kenyan airports by allowing people from affected foreign countries to jet into the country.
Vihiga deputy governor Dr Patrick Saisi said they have created space for any coronavirus cases at county referral hospital at Mbale, Jumuia hospital and all sub-county hospitals.
Kakamega county has also prepared two health facilities with a 25-bed capacity at the General hospital, to handle screening and treatment of coronavirus cases.
The county government has also set aside Sh110 million to manage the global pandemic. Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has banned mortuary operations in the county.
In Murang’a, the county government has revoked all liquor licences in an effort to contain spread of Covid-19. The move came after some outlets defied a directive by Governor Mwangi wa Iria that was issued on Monday ordering all bars to stop operating.
Fr Moses Kahutha from the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a said the church bishops will hold several meetings to give direction on church services.
Elsewhere in Kisii, the county government has closed all markets in the area.
Health Executive Sarah Omache said no traders will be allowed in Daraja Mbili market, which operates on Mondays and Thursdays and hosts more than 10,000 small-scale traders.
She said the directive will last for 30 days in a bid to upscale surveillance against the virus, adding that bars will be allowed to operate between 5pm and 11pm.
Hoard goods
“We have sent nurses for training in Nairobi on how to handle the disease ,” said Omache.
And in Marsabit, the county government has issued a stern warning to traders against any attempt to hoard essential goods in the wake of the pandemic.
County Commissioner Evans Achoki also announced enhanced enforcement of the Public Health Act in a bid to improve on hygiene and sanitation as an effective way of fighting the spread of the deadly virus.
In Laikipia, the County Assembly has adjourned its sittings indefinitely following the corona scare that has hit the country and the world.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has called on people aged 65 and above and those with chronic medical conditions to “stay at home as much as possible” in the wake of the outbreak.
In Mombasa, Governor Hassan Joho assured that the county is prepared to handle cases of Covid-19 with a 19-bed capacity isolation ward at the Coast General Hospital’s private wing.
However, among the 19 isolation rooms, only five have been installed with ventilators and monitor systems to handle patients with severe cases.
According to Joho, the county is banking on a team of 24 personnel who have been trained and equipped to handle the virus.
“We have mobilised the private sector and they have agreed to come on board and help us in this fight,” he said.
Being a seaport county, Mombasa has been identified among 14 high risk areas where residents face high chances of contracting coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Migori County Government has put in place measures to help deal with the pandemic.
Addressing the press yesterday, County Commissioner Joseph Rotich and Migori county secretary Christopher Rusanna said area residents are at risk of getting the virus due to the proximity of the county to the border of Sirare and Isebania, gateway to Tanzania.
The county has planned to set aside a 52-bed capacity isolation centre to help mitigation the virus that has caused panic across the globe. -Additional reporting by Reuben Mwambingu and Tom Rachuonyo