Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya, the public health department in Moyale has put stringent measures to control the spread of infections.
In a notice signed by the acting Sub-county Public Health Officer, Racha Tacho and copied to the Sub-County administrator, the Deputy County Commissioner among other law enforcers, the department appealed to them to make sure that stringent measures are put in place to prevent spread of coronavirus.
The letter addressed to bar owners, all bus companies, hotels, lodges, matatu operators and all places of worship asks them to make sure that they have hand washing facility with adequate clean water and soap for their customers and possibly hand sanitizers for all clients to be used while boarding and alighting from PSV vehicles failing which their businesses risk closure.
Tacho further instructed that places like bars and hotels should be well fumigated because they are among high risk areas of spreading the covid-19 disease.
Speaking to KNA on Wednesday morning, Tacho said this was not a request but an order and he had deployed public health personnel in every part to ensure that no business was operating without having met the requirements.
“All business premises should have water for washing hands provided in all public places as social gatherings and people should start using electronic cash transfer because money is very dirty and can spread the virus,” Tacho said.
The officer also appealed to Banks, Bus Companies operating from Moyale to Nairobi and matatu SACCOs to ensure they observe hygiene, warning those who will not take good care of their passengers they risk being barred from operation.
Elsewhere, the Immigration Department at the Moyale has suspended clearance of entry into Kenya to non-residents following the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country.
The Moyale Deputy Immigration Officer, Timothy Sabari while speaking to KNA said that they had been instructed from their head office to desist from using the biometric gadgets.
The Moyale Law Courts has not been operating from Monday and only the a few members of the skeleton staff are being allowed to access the compound.
Elsewhere, the Samburu morans will have to avoid dancing during initiation ceremonies across the county to minimize the spread of corona virus, the Samburu County Executive Member (CEC) for Health, Stephen Lekupe has said.
In a statement issued by the department of health services, market days and temporary initiation settlements has been restricted to 15 persons per given time in an effort to protect the public from possible outbreak and spread of COVID-19.
Lekupe directed that the temporary initiation settlement known as lororas should strictly have adequate handwashing and sanitary facilities and adequate supply of clean water.
“During the April holidays Samburus will continue with boys’ initiations which begun in November last year after a 15-year transition, therefore morans should avoid dancing, handshaking, hugging and staying in groups,” read the statement.
The CEC also suspended the sale, distribution and storage of miraa for fourteen days effective 20th march 2020.
Also affected are hotel and bar owners who have been directed to observe proper hygiene and in addition all night clubs and liquor outlets should be closed by 11pm, including weekends.
Public transport providers such as boda boda and matatus have also been directed to provide handwashing facilities to their customers.
“Public places such as banks, shops, butcheries, should provide hand washing facilities while hospitals visits shall be limited to designated visitors only,” the CEC said in the statement.
Lekupe assured Samburu residents that the health department is well prepared and urged them to cooperate and observe safety.
By Gatana Muchira/Robert Githu
