Traders at Cheptulu market in Hamisi Sub County have been commended for embracing health guidelines currently in force as the government struggles to flatten curve for the novel Covid-19 pandemic.
The Hamisi Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Mrs. Lilian Jeptoo made the observation at the market when she led a team of national and county government administration officers during an inspection tour of the market on Tuesday.
The team, which comprised of Hamisi Sub County Administrator, Kennedy Okila was out to sensitize and enforce Ministry of Health directives.
Addressing the traders and members of public, Jeptoo emphasized on the directives which require every Kenyan visiting a supermarket or an open-air market to wear a face mask, washing of individual hands with soap and running water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Keeping a social distance of at least 2 metres or 2-3 steps from people with flu-like symptoms while in public places is a very important rule to observe to enable the government curb spread of the contagious virus in this region,” continued Jeptoo.
Other safety measures that can help prevent Covid-19 infection include avoiding shaking hands, hugging or kissing with people with flu-like symptoms and staying at home and avoiding travel when one have flu-like symptoms.
According to Jeptoo, a bigger percentage of sellers and buyers at Cheptulu market were adhering to the current directives.
“We have allowed traders engaging in foodstuffs only to operate at the open-air market but on condition they fully comply with the current directives,” Jeptoo said.
“At the beginning it was difficult as enforcing officers met stiff opposition from the traders. However with growing positive cases of Covid-19 in the country combined with frequent public awareness campaigns, there has been a marked improvement of behaviour at the market,” reported Jeptoo.
The Sub County boss further applauded area residents for adhering to the ongoing countrywide dusk to dawn curfew. “We have reported very few cases of individuals attempting to flout evening curfew rules,” she added.
According to the DCC, the team will make a similar tour to Serem market on Wednesday.
By Maurice Aluda
