County Government Closes Markets Indefinitely

The Narok County Government has closed all open-air markets indefinitely, a week after they were re-opened, alleging the traders failed to meet the laid down regulations to combat Covid-19.
Speaking after holding a County Emergency and Response Committee meeting on Friday, Governor Samuel Tunai said most of the traders who visited the markets were from neigbouring counties, which have confirmed cases of Covid-19 hence posing a high risk to the residents.
“The team that we sent to monitor the markets reported that the residents did not adhere to the basics like frequently washing their hands, keeping social distances and putting on face masks. This is very dangerous considering most of the traders are from neigbouring Kajiado and Nakuru counties where we have had confirmed cases of Covid-19,” said Tunai.
Tunai, who spoke at the county headquarters in a press briefing attended by Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti, said currently there is no confirmed case of Covid-19 in the county hence the reason for keeping vigil to maintain the status.
At the same time, the county boss confirmed three persons who had sneaked into the County from Nairobi had been put on forced quarantine where they will remain for 14 days until they were given a clean bill of health.
“We want to thank the residents for being vigilant and reporting any suspected person to the authority whom in turn have taken action. This is the way to go because this virus is dangerous to all of us,” said Tunai.
On his part, the County Commissioner sounded a warning to residents who were not using their facemasks the right way saying they too will be arrested.
“We have noticed most of the residents are walking with their masks hanging on their neck instead of covering their nose and mouth as expected. Anyone violating this regulation will be arrested,” said Kimiti.
He also warned the motorcycle riders who were carrying two pillions against the law that they will be arrested and charged.
“This time we will not arrest the motorcycle rider only, we will also arrest the people on board as no motorcycle is allowed to carry beyond one person,” he said.
By Ann Salaton