The County Assembly of Kilifi was Tuesday closed for two weeks after a member of staff tested positive to Covid-19.
County Assembly Speaker Jimmy Kahindi said the move was a precautionary measure to prevent further exposure to the disease after it emerged that the affected employee mingled with colleagues during the burial of another staff member last weekend.
Addressing a hurriedly convened press briefing at the county assembly offices, Mr. Kahindi said Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and the staff had been advised to undergo Covid-19 testing and isolate themselves for fourteen days even as they continue discharging their duties from home.
“The County Assembly Public Board sat this morning and decided to close down the assembly buildings for two weeks after one of our staff members informed us that he had tested positive to the virus,” Mr. Kahindi said.
The MCAs are currently on recess, but it is believed the affected officer could have come in touch with the them directly or indirectly, prompting the speaker to ask the legislators to also keep off the assembly premises, self-isolate or if possible, go for testing.
“Although members were on recess, the County Assembly Service Board was actively here and conducting its duties. And of course, the members of staff as well.
For that reason, we have closed the county assembly for fourteen days and we have advised the members of staff to go into self-quarantine and where possible they must also carry out tests, which are done free of charge at the Malindi Sub County Hospital” he said.
Mr. Kahindi called upon the residents of Kilifi to be vigilant and observe Ministry of Health guidelines and Covid-19 protocols in order to stop the spread of the virus in the county. He noted that many residents were living in total disregard of the fact that the disease was still a threat to humanity.
His sentiments were echoed by County Assembly Clerk Michael Ngala and the leader of the Majority in the county assembly, Mr. Kadenge Mwathethe, who praised the affected officer for taking the bold move to test for the disease and promptly inform his bosses.
By Emmanuel Masha
