The County government of Kitui has suspended all public gatherings including weddings, birthday parties and any other events that bring more than 10 people together as part of the measures to combat possible spread of the corona virus.
In a statement issued by Governor Charity Ngilu on Thursday in consultation with the National Government and members of the clergy, residents have been urged to limit compassionate events like burials to family members only as a key measure to contain the situation.
Governor Ngilu called on religious leaders to ensure safety for worshippers by observing social distance, citing the risk of high number of faithful converging for services at the places of worship.
Recreational facilities and activities such as children playgrounds, swimming pools, gyms and sporting activities have been suspended too.
She said that public places including factories, supermarkets, banks, restaurants and slaughterhouses among others must avail water for handwashing under close supervision of the Ministry of Health.
The county leadership has ordered all public transport vehicles to have sanitizers for the passengers and guarantee continued sanitisation of the vehicles with the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Ministry of Health tasked to ensure compliance.
‘Bodaboda and Taxi operators have been strictly directed to uphold high standards of hygiene with those transporting to neighbouring counties required to manifest all their passengers names and contact for traceability purpose,’ said Governor Ngilu.
The county has suspended all market days until further notice whereas bars have been suspended from allowing patrons to drink within the premises with an allowance to sell over the counter as take away.
She said that the sale of Miraa/Muguka has been suspended until further notice with users who suffer withdrawal symptoms urged to visit health facilities for support.
On other small scale traders, the Governor directed them to keep two meter distance between their stalls.
Governor Ngilu called on the County Ministry of Health in coordination with the administration, National Government and faith based bodies to embark on educating the public through the radio and other channels on the Corona virus and related hygiene issues.
‘Visits to patients within hospitals have been strictly limited to one person registered with the hospital management,’ she said.
Governor Ngilu disclosed that only referred patients from primary health facilities and emergency cases will be allowed at the level four hospitals.
Similarly, she noted that the county has set aside isolation wards at the Kitui Referral, Kauwi and Mwingi Level four Hospitals.
She urged the County Assembly of Kitui to urgently consider the supplementary budget to allow immediate procurement of personal protective equipment {PPEs} for healthcare workers and disinfectant supplies.
A joint coordination team has been put in place to file daily reports with the Governor and County Commissioner’s offices.
The teams will closely work with the Office of the County Commissioner and will utilize county administrators for easy communication.
The county call centre 0702615888 will be key in reporting any suspected case to the county leadership.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
