Despite strengthening its Covid-19 testing capacity Kitui County yesterday witnessed a surcge in numbers when it recorded 54 cases in a single day.
County Commissioner John Ondego said that the county plans to test all Kitui County Officers, who are working in departments that have huge queues that see them interact with many residents. So far officials from the office of the Governor have been tested.
Speaking in Kitui, Ondego said that all government offices will be fumigated on a rolling basis warning that the novel coronavirus is here with us in the community.
Ondego noted that those receiving home-based care will have their homes assessed by the Ministry of Health to determine whether they fit the protocol for treatment at home.
“These numbers show clearly that if mass testing was to be carried out, majority of the people will be positive especially those flouting the Ministry of Health protocols of social distancing, wearing a mask and proper handwashing,” disclosed the administrator.
He called on government officials to minimize close contact with people as they offer services to wananchi and asked for a rooster for people to work in shifts according to government directives.
“I am issuing an alert that the County Covid-19 Response Team will be carrying out surveillance in the county to curb the spread the virus. People should make sure that social distance protocol is adhered to at all times,” he said.
Ondego warned those working in crowded places such as markets and matatus termini to adhere to the health protocols to avoid closure of their businesses which may impact negatively on their livelihoods.
“I implore our people to be careful. This disease is not a hoax, it is real and here with us. We should take all the necessary precautions to avoid its spread and protect the vulnerable members of society,” said the County Commissioner.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
