The County Executive Committee Member for Health Gladys Kimingi, said the campaign targeting matatu termini is aimed at getting support of both vehicles operators and their passengers so that the increased movement of people during Christmas festivities does not lead to increased infections.
The public awareness drive will entail sensitizing passengers and matatu crews at various termini across the county on the need to observe the laid down covid-19 prevention protocols including washing of hands, use of sanitizers, wearing masks and maintaining social distance among others.
The exercise also entails fumigation of public service vehicles, benches, and other areas around the various termini.
Consequently, Kerugoya matatu stage, which is a major dropping point for people coming from Nairobi to Kirinyaga is among the facility that has already been fumigated and public education conducted.
During Christmas period, there is normally alot of movement by people from towns to the villages, which may to lead to spread of the infectious virus if people are not extra vigilant.
The CEC said that the public health department has also held sensitization fora with boda boda operators on the need to observe prevention measures among themselves and their customers.
At the same time, meetings have been held between public health officials and PSV Saccos chairpersons whereby sustainability of prevention measures such as continuous fumigation of matatus were discussed.
Additionally, emphasis has been laid on having all passengers wash their hands or sanitize before boarding vehicles headed to various destinations as well as observing social distance once inside the matatu.
The public transport campaigns complement other public awareness forums conducted in health facilities, schools, prison, markets, and other places where people gather.
Meanwhile, area governor Anne Waiguru while giving her merry Christmas wishes to the county residents, underscored the need for people to exercise caution during the festive season.
She also appealed to those traveling from towns to the villages to ensure that they did not compromise on the safety of those they find at home, especially the elderly.
Moreover, the governor appealed to public transporters to ensure that they carry the recommended number of passengers to ensure adequate space between passengers.
Waiguru observed that the county had managed to keep Covid-19 infections at a manageable level noting that no patient was currently admitted in their isolation centres through a number of them were recuperating under the home-based care program.
The county has so far registered about 420 cases of Covid-19 and seven deaths.
By Irungu Mwangi
