All night clubs have been ordered to close down as a preventive measure to curb the spread of corona virus.
At the same time, the Trans Nzoia County has put in place several measures that will help residents prevent the spread of the deadly disease that has claimed many lives worldwide.
Speaking after chairing the emergency committee meeting on coronavirus in his Boardroom on Monday, area Governor, Patrick Khaemba said that already an isolation space has been established at the doctors’ plaza, Kitale hospital that will cater for anyone testing positive.
According to Khaemba, supplies worth Sh.10million have been procured to help prevent the disease. “We have put on standby an ambulance that will help transport the suspects to the isolation area to prevent any contacts with other residents through public transport,” said the governor.
“Already training of health staff has been done at the county level and trainings are going on at sub- county level.”
He said that his county will use medics that were trained on Ebola response some of whom even went to Congo to participate in the treatment of patients.
He urged residents to use the hotline 0759454347 and 0734396344 to report suspected cases of the virus adding that more hotlines will be established with the aim of reaching out to many people.
According to Khaemba his county government will be working closely with the national government officers in the area to reach out to residents on preventive measures.
“We are working closely with the county commissioner and will be using the already established structures to reach out to the public,” he added.
As part of sensitization measures, the governor directed the health team to talk to residents through FM radios.
Khaemba also said that boom sprayers that were purchased for the spray of locusts will be handy in case of any eventuality and asked the agriculture department to get the equipment ready.
The area Health Executive, Claire Wanyama said that they have received protective gears from the national government.
She said that already clinical officers and laboratory technicians have been taken to Nairobi for further training on the disease.
The Trans Nzoia West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Abudulahi Khalif warned residents against spreading false information on the disease.
He said those found culpable will be dealt with firmly and asked residents to verify information before passing it on to other people.
Khalif said his office is using chiefs and their assistants, Nyumba Kumi and village elders to sensitize residents on preventive measures of the disease.
The DCC asked matatu owners to provide sanitizers and keep the widows open as they transport people.
He asked residents to embrace hand washing as a way of preventing the disease and government offices to provide sanitizers.
Elsewhere, the Boda boda operators in Siaya town have taken the campaigns against Coronavirus a notch higher by installing water dispensers and soaps in their bases for use by customers.
The motorcycle taxi operators based at Ahindi Garden said the preventive measure was aimed at cushioning themselves and their customers from the virus that has caused fear worldwide.
According to the Chairman of the Ahindi Garden bodaboda group, James Onyango and a member, Geoffrey Odongo, the facility will also benefit other residents, though priority will be given to their clients before they board for transportation to various destinations.
“This is in compliance with the National Government directive to protect its citizens,” said Onyango, adding that they were committed in ensuring the virus does not spread in the County.
Another member of the group said they have been forced to take precautions as most of their members do their transactions in cash and carry luggage, which they help them to load.
“Most of our customers are not comfortable with the M-pesa and other electronic money transfers and would rather pay us in cash,” he said.
A customer, Beryl Akoth, said she had to wash her hands thoroughly before being allowed to board a motorcycle.
She said the move was good and hailed the group for coming up with the measure that will help improve personal hygiene, which was paramount in the war against Coronavirus.
By Pauline Ikand/ Philip Onyango
