Vulnerable members of the community in Vihiga County will be the main beneficiaries of facemasks produced at Ebusiralo Vocational Training Centre in Luanda Sub-county.
Vihiga Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo and the County Commissioner (CC), Mr. Ochilo Oyugi, officially launched mass production of the facemasks at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution on Friday.
While commissioning the project, Governor Ottichilo, lauded the County Department of Education for the facemasks production initiative, saying it would bolster the National and County Government efforts in combating the novel Covid-19 disease.
“I have been pleased by the great work set to be done here and which would see vulnerable members of our larger Vihiga community receive and wear face masks in order to help curb the spread of coronavirus,” noted Ottichilo.
The County boss warned the residents against flouting the health regulations currently in place, which he emphasized, were aimed at checking the spread of the virus.
“I have asked the County Commissioner to ensure those who violate the set health standards meant to cushion us against the dreaded virus are arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law,” said Ottichilo.
He, however, reassured the public the County was yet to report any case of Covid-19.
“The single positive case much talked about was reported at the Mbagathi in Nairobi where the individual had been quarantined after flying into the country. Indeed, the affected person has roots in Vihiga but at time of getting infected with the virus he was away in Dubai,” the
Governor explained.
County Commissioner Oyugi, observed that besides the initiative enabling the County take precautionary measures against the contagious virus, the initiative would provide opportunity for students of fashion and design at the centre to horn their skills.
He reminded the locals on the importance of observing hygiene guidelines as provided by the Ministry of Health.
“Let us all live within the rules set out by the Ministry of Health, key among them social distancing, washing hands using soap and running water, sanitizing our hands and postponing unnecessary travels,” stated Oyugi.
The County Covid-19 Emergency Response Committee (CCERC) Co-chaired by the Governor and County Commissioner had already mapped out vulnerable members of the community that would benefit from free distribution of the face masks.
By Maurice Aluda