Murang’a County government has closed operation of bars in two sub locations after an increase of Covid-19 cases.
In the new directives, restaurants and eateries in Mukurwe and Njai-ini sub locations in Gatanga Sub County are required to strictly observe covid-19 protocols.
For the last two weeks, the two sub locations have reported more than 50 cases of coronavirus and seven deaths caused by the virus.
Murang’a County Executive Member for Health and Sanitation on Monday said the county government will partner with the national government administrators to ensure the guidelines are followed.
He noted that despite people being alerted to observe the protocols, the majority are ignoring them and could be spotted in groups at market places.
Currently, Mbai said 31 patients are admitted at Murang’a Level 5 hospital suffering from coronavirus. “On top of that number we have 14 covid-19 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the County Referral Hospital,” he added.
The CEC continued “the increased cases of covid-19 in our county is because people are not adhering to given guidelines. At market places, there is no social distance, people are not washing hands and others have stopped wearing masks.”
He asked churches to ensure they maintain three-quarters capacity rule and ensure there is physical distance among the worshippers.
“It’s my appeal to leaders of churches to strictly adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines since we don’t want our churches to be avenues for contracting the disease,” added Mbai.
The CEC noted that they are in process to start campaigns to remind locals about Ministry of Health protocols aimed to contain the spread of the virus. He urged public transporters to strictly adhere to Ministry of Health directives so as to curb spread of covid-19
A resident from Mukurwe, James Mwangi noted that his family for a period of one week have lost three members due to the pandemic.
Mwangi added that still in his village two more people succumbed to the disease urging the county government to help them settle hospital bills.
“We have other family members who are admitted in hospital. The bill is overwhelming and we are appealing for help. It seems one of our family members brought the disease to the village and due to ignorance of the guidelines, the majority have been affected,” added Mwangi.
By Bernard Munyao
