The Kwale county government has rolled out coronavirus testing exercise along the border with Tanzania.
County Secretary (CS) Martin Mwaro has called on the national government to increase the coronavirus testing kits to enable the devolved unit launch a mass testing campaign.
He said the county has acquired 500 covid-19 testing kits for a start and will expand the testing exercise across the coastal county once more kits arrive.
Mwaro said the exercise was being hampered by lack of enough testing kits although enough trained human resource was available.
He said the coronavirus testing exercise at the crossing points will be speeded up to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
Mwaro spoke on Saturday when he toured LungaLunga town accompanied by County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Health Francis Gwama.
Gwama said the county was well prepared to counter the pandemic and a 60-bed covid-19 unit for isolation and treatment has already been opened at Msambweni County Referral Hospital.
Kwale County has so far recorded two cases of the coronavirus pandemic.
The two county officials maintained that all truck drivers and travelers from Tanzania through the Horohoro one -stop border point at LungaLunga must undergo mandatory testing or produce compliance certificates.
“Drivers entering Kenya have to take covid-19 test before continuing with their journey. After taking the test they have to wait for 48 hours for their results. The testing is free” said Gwama.
If one tests positive they are taken to the covid-19 dedicated unit at the Msambweni hospital for specialized treatment and isolation while those who test negative are allowed to continue with their journey.
Meanwhile the county has received medical equipment from Plan International Kwale branch.
The Plan International Kwale branch project Manager Harriet Osimbo presented the equipment that included facemasks, spraying pumps, gloves, disinfectants and sanitary products for girls among other items.
During a brief ceremony Osimbo pledged more help to the county residents and hailed the cordial relationship with the county government.
The Health CEC who received the medical equipment at the Kwale county hospital said the consignment will be distributed through rural health facilities.
He said the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions have a higher risk of being infected by the virus and should adhere to the stay-at-home orders.
By Hussein Abdullahi
Kwale rolls out covid-19 testing exercise at border point
