Thirteen people have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing treatment at various isolation facilities in Nakuru after testing positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19).
County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Zachary Gichuki Kariuki said 8 of the cases were at the Provincial General Hospital Isolation Center in Nakuru while 5 others had been isolated at the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital.
Dr Gichuki said the latest case was that of a 34-year-old woman who was undergoing treatment at the Provincial General Hospital. The CEC confirmed that so far 30 cases of Covid-19 had been reported in the County.
The CEC called on persons who may have come into contact with the woman who hails from Naivasha Sub-County to volunteer for medical observation at Covid-19 monitoring centres at various public health facilities in the county. He advised such persons to also self-quarantine for 14 days.
“The patients in isolation facilities are stable, cheerful and vibrant with normal vital signs. They will not be released from the Isolation Units until they are confirmed negative” Dr Gichuki said. He said the devolved unit had stepped up unit surveillance, testing and management of the disease adding that more than 4,000 long distance truck drivers from East African nations had been screened and tested for Covid-19.
Dr Gichuki said a new checkpoint had been set up along the Nakuru-Naivasha highway to ensure that truck drivers entering the devolved unit have attestation certificates.
The CEC also asked Kenyans to only accept information from the government’s official channels.
County Assembly Speaker Joel Maina Kairu said coronavirus has negatively altered the social and economic lifestyle patterns of Kenyans.
“We must support the National and County governments’ efforts to curb the spread of this pandemic. Kenyans need to be wary that the numbers are rising steadily and may cause economic collapse if not controlled,” said Mr. Kairu.
“This is not the time for leaders to politic. They are obligated to show leadership and responsibility in protecting our people from the effect of coronavirus,” he added.
He said Members of the County Assembly were charged with the duty to implement the directives issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Ministry of Health by relaying the right information to the residents and collaborating with the relevant authorities and ensuring the Ministry of Health guidelines are followed.
“These are extraordinary times that require sacrifice and voluntary leadership. Leaders on the globe are coming up with ideas and sometimes putting their lives on the line to stop the spread of the disease,” said Mr. Kairu.
He added, “This is the time when MCAs at the Nakuru County Assembly must demonstrate pure leadership.”
Kairu reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to work closely with the national government and other relevant authorities to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
By Anne Mwale
