At least 34 out of the 79 suspected coronavirus cases in Busia County have tested negative, the area Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi has said.
Speaking to the press after attending the County Emergency Response Committee meeting on Thursday, Mulomi said that the persons have been released from quarantine to continue with their normal activities.
“The remaining ones are being examined by the technical committee at both the County and Sub County level,” he said.
He reiterated that local residents should continue abiding by the Ministry of Health directives with a view to contain the spread of the virus.
The DG noted with concern that there was still overcrowding in market centres despite the government directive that all market days stay banned.
“We are urging the traders to observe social distance and ensure that there is no crowding,” he said.
Busia Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Onyango hailed the locals for heeding to the government directive on avoiding elaborate funerals.
“This is an area where we have not had challenges because funeral ceremonies are taking as short as one hour and sanity has been restored when people remove bodies from mortuaries,” he said.
Onyango however stated that social distancing was still a challenge especially among boda boda operators.
“We have plans to arrest those found carrying more than one passenger and those without masks,” he said adding that they need to adhere to government directives for their own benefits.
He reminded traders to observe social distancing warning that security officers may be forced to use teargas to disperse those found in large gatherings.
“We have noticed that there are several trucks bringing foodstuff next to the border and a number of traders crowding as they purchase the commodities,” he noted warning that police officers will be deployed in the area on Monday to ensure that the practice is stopped.
The DCC pointed out that a number of traders and children were selling facemasks within the county.
“I want the chiefs to take those children back home,” he said adding that children are not allowed to engage in trade activities.
Onyango urged the locals to purchase three layer masks recommended by the health officers.
So far the border County has not recorded any coronavirus positive patient.
Meanwhile Busia County Chairman of boda boda operators Erick Makokha has come up with an initiative to ensure that all his members adhere to the government directive.
Makokha shocked a number of boda boda operators after he impounded several motorbikes, which were found off guard.
The motorbikes were only released after the individual riders met the prescribed directives as passengers were also forced to purchase masks before being allowed to proceed with their journey
By Salome Alwanda
Suspected Covid 19 Cases Turn Negative
