The county government of Baringo has identified three screening sites at it struggles to ensure that the region continues retaining Covid-19 disease free status.
Governor Stanley Kiptis revealed that his administration had deployed health technical officers at the identified Covid-19 screening sites, located at entry points to Kabarnet town in Baringo central, Mogotio and Eldama Ravine sub-counties.
Kiptis who addressed the press on Thursday at his office in Kabarnet town after launching two newly acquired ambulances revealed that the coronavirus pandemic screening will be conducted at border points like Cheploch bridge targeting those entering the county via Iten in neighboring Elgeyo Marakwet county.
He noted that those entering Baringo through Nakuru County shall be screened at Mogotio town while Torongo will be a screening point for those entering the county through Kericho and Uasin Gishu counties.
Kiptis who was flanked by his Deputy, Jacob Chepkwony and county executive committee (CEC) for Health, Mary Panga noted that he is liaising with governors from North Rift Economic Block (NOREB) so as to identify ideal places to mount the Covid-19 screening points adding that Torongo, Makutano and Kampi Ya Moto trading centres shall be given priority.
The Governor encouraged the locals acquire the face masks that were critical in controlling spread and prevention of COVID-19 noted that his administration will donate freely only to the vulnerable people in the county.
He said that the two new ambulances will be deployed to Baringo county referral hospital, Kabarnet, and the other one to Saimo Soi ward in Baringo North sub-county to help in transferring critical patients in the area with bad terrain to county referral hospital in Kabarnet adding that it will also help the county government to enhance its capacity to serve its people.
Panga also noted that the ambulances will enhance health services in the targeted areas of the county especially now during this COVID-19 period.
“A place like Saimo Soi ward lies in a marginalized area has never had ambulance services and that is why we have allocated them the vehicle so as to help improve emergency medical response at the area,” she said.
Panga confirmed that the county has so far not reported any confirmed COVID-19 case but noted that their health officials were on high alert to respond to calls of any suspected cases.
By Vincent Miningwo/Joshua Kibet
