As Covid 19 third wave continues, Kenyans are still flouting the ministry of health (MOH) protective guidelines.
For instance, a matatu operator and a resident of Nanyuki town in Laikipia County, Elvis Kamau told KNA that he is yet to accept the new-normal occasioned by covid-19.
“People here are not keen on observing the ministry of health (MOH) guidelines like hand washing, sanitizing and wearing masks. It’s very expensive for us matatu operators considering we interact with large numbers of people on a daily basis,” Kamau said.
A Spot-check by KNA Friday revealed that majority of the people have since thrown caution to the wind and were interacting normally without keeping social distance, wearing masks and sanitizing.
Paul Maina, a second hand clothes vendor in Nanyuki town however maintained it was an individual’s responsibility to stay safe.
“I do not understand the problem with Kenyans. They should know this is a life threatening virus and follow the ministry of health covid-19 containment measures like hand washing, keeping social distance and wearing of masks. As you can see I have a hand washing point,” he posed.
Contacted, a youth leader Peris Mwangi, regretted a majority of them flouted the pandemic containment measures due to peer pressure and drug abuse.
“You will find youths doing what others are doing just to look like them. Some are busy partying with friends as they indulge in drug abuse, without adhering to the containment measures. Those doing so should stop forthwith as this third wave has proved more lethal than the previous two waves,” Peris emphasized.
She appealed to the government to offer counseling to young people and also enhance rehabilitation centers to salvage the many youths who abuse drugs and alcohol. “I want to urge our government to consider setting up more rehabilitation centers where our youth can be guided on behavior change for them to be responsible and productive citizens,” she says.
On his part, Laikipia County health executive Dr. Lenai Kamario said that it’s very important to protect Kenyans at whatever costs. “We target to vaccinate 6,000 frontline workers so that our communities are protected and advocate for stringent containment measures against this virus,” Dr. Kamario said.
In Laikipia County, Dr Kamario said, 1,455 Covid-19 positive cases have been confirmed since the pandemic started.
Countrywide the virus positivity and death rates have soared alarmingly since the third wave was reported early this month.
By Muturi Mwangi
