At least 256 people in Laikipia County have been prosecuted for flouting Covid-19 rules in the last three weeks, Governor Ndiritu Muriithi has said.
Addressing the media at his Nanyuki residence, Muriithi said that the majority of the suspects were fined for not wearing face masks.
“We have prosecuted 256 people for flouting Covid-19 rules particularly for not wearing face masks. It is not our wish to keep prosecuting our citizens but we must protect the entire population in the county,” Muriithi noted.
Muriithi revealed that efforts to combati the pandemic have shown a glimmer of hope after the positivity rate dropped from 30 percent to 12 percent in a span of three weeks.
“The positivity rate is now down to 12 percent in Laikipia. For us to have confidence that we are winning, the rate should be around 3 percent. However, it is better compared to 30 percent three weeks ago,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to continue observing the protocols on Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Health.
“Due to economic reasons, red zones had to be opened up. This means increased travel, therefore, we must get ahead of the third wave by wearing masks, sanitizing and keeping social distance,” Muriithi emphasized.
The county boss further said, as schools resume next week, all school heads must ensure that the stipulated Ministry of Health guidelines are adhered to accordingly.
“We have communicated with all schools in alignment to Covid-19 protocols and we expect all washing points to be operational when school reopens on May 10,” Muriithi said.
By Muturi Mwangi