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County governments are taking various steps to curb the spread of coronavirus, as the number of people who have tested positive for the respiratory disease in the country rose to four yesterday.

In Siaya, Governor Cornel Rasanga ordered all health sector workers on leave to return to their work stations in readiness to respond to any cases of Covid-19 which may be reported in the county.

Rasanga has also suspended workshops and seminars within or outside Siaya county. 

“We have decided to take a raft of measures to deal with the contagious disease which is a threat to the whole world,” the governor said. 

He urged the leadership of public service vehicles Saccos to provide sanitisers, water and soap for their passengers.

In Marsabit, the county government warned anyone spreading misinformation and fake news regarding the pandemic that they would face the full force of the law.

This was after the county yesterday woke up to rumours that two cases of coronavirus had been detected in the border town of Moyale.

County Director of Health Dr. Adano Kochi and the Public Health Officer in-charge of the One-Stop-Border-Point at Moyale Mohammed Nurr denied the claims which they termed as fake news.

 “It is true that I have been receiving many telephone calls from concerned members of the public seeking the truth and we have clarified the matter,” said Kochi.

Miraa joints

In Samburu, the county government has established a health emergency response committee to enhance surveillance and execution of all directives aimed at containing the spread of the disease.

Addressing the press after meeting County Executive Committee members yesterday, Samburu Deputy Governor Julius Leseeto said both the National and County governments would work together to ensure the spread of the virus is managed and contained.

He further announced that the county government had already established isolation rooms at the Maralal Level Five Referral Hospital as well as in all sub-county hospitals.

In Makueni county, all market day and night club operations have been suspended with immediate effect.

Miraa chewing joints have also been ordered to shut down as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus in the county.

Speaking in his office during a joint press briefing with the county commissioner, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, however, said bars will remain open from 5pm to 11pm, but will be required to provide soap and water or sanitisers to patrons.

Kibwana also directed residents to limit funeral attendance to close relatives and avoid gatherings such as weddings, public meetings, workshops, seminars and religious meetings.

“We will also enhance sanitation especially along Mombasa Road stop-overs by providing soap and water or sanitisers.

We also encourage residents to have the same hand washing facilities at homes,” said the governor.

Meanwhile, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos has ordered the suspension of all weekly open-air markets and livestock auctions for the next 30 days in the county to mitigate against the spread of coronavirus.

In a raft of measures aimed at containing the disease, the governor also ordered the closure of athletics training camps and called on athletes to train individually and avoid overcrowding or running in groups.

Doctors Plaza

Tolgos instructed all public institutions to ensure they have hand-washing facilities in their premises and called on hotels and restaurants to maintain high standards of hygiene and avoid overcrowding.

Speaking after chairing a County Emergency Response team meeting, the Governor said a 20-bed isolation ward had been established at the Iten County Referral Hospital and another five-bed isolation ward at Kapsowar Mission Hospital.

In Trans Nzoia, the county administration has procured supplies worth Sh10 million to help prevent the disease and an ambulance put on standby to transport suspected cases to isolation centres.

Speaking after chairing the emergency committee meeting on coronavirus yesterday, area Governor Patrick Khaemba said an isolation space had been established at Kitale Hospital’s Doctors Plaza to cater for anyone testing positive for the virus. 

He advised residents to use the hotline 0759454347 and 0734396344 to report suspected cases of the virus.

The governor said companies and self-help groups had also stepped in to stop the spread of the pandemic at the county level.

In Kiambu county, the Thika Water and Sewerage Company (Thiwasco) is in the process of installing stand pipes at bus parks, market places, courts, outside hospitals and other public spaces.

Moses Kinya, the company managing director, said the initiative would ensure people wash their hands regularly to prevent spread of the global Covid-19 threat.

In addition, the water company has collaborated with banks, factories and other water stakeholders from the County to provide soap at water fountains.

Global fear

 “There is no cause of alarm as far as water supply is concerned. We are working round-the-clock to ensure water supply is available for 24 hours,” he said.

In Siaya, Boda boda operators have installed water dispensers and soap in their areas of operation to be used by clients to wash hands before boarding the motorbikes.

The motorcycle taxi operators based at Ahindi Garden said the preventive measure was aimed at cushioning themselves and their customers from the virus that has caused global fear.

According to the chairman of the Ahindi Garden Boda Boda group, James Onyango, the facility will also benefit other residents, though priority will be given to their clients.

“This is in compliance with the national government directive to protect its citizens,” said Onyango, adding that they were committed to ensuring the virus does not spread in the county.

Meanwhile, Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel outside their villages to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We urge residents to stay in their villages and stay indoors and only come out for shopping and go back home in the evening. This will provide a good opportunity for men who normally stay out for long hours to find time to be with their families,” said Nyagwanga. —Reporting by Mathew Ndungu, Eric Juma, Seth Mwaniki, David Musudi and KNA