Murang’a County government has instructed all bars and drinking dens to close as measures are put to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The county security team has also been deployed to ensure all bars remain shut until the nationals government announces the country is safe from coronavirus.
During a stakeholders’ meeting led by Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and County Commissioner Mohammed Barre, several measures were drawn up to protect residents from Covid-19.
Wa Iria said that bars are among high-risk areas of spreading the disease and thus they should remain closed until the country is declared safe.
During the meeting, the stakeholders agreed that water for washing hands should be provided in all public places.
The governor said meetings with more than 10 people should be avoided, saying they are engaging churches to see if they can suspend services for a while.
“We are going to engage church leaders and we deliberate the way forward to see if services which involve big congregations are stopped for a while,” said Wa Iria.
A technical committee comprising officers from the county and national government was formed to ensure all directives enforced.
“The committee will be hosted at Murang’a Level V Hospital and they will have hotline number where members of the public can call and make enquires or report suspected cases,” he added.
Two special wards, one in Murang’a Level V and Muririnjas hospitals have been established to cater for any patient with coronavirus-like symptoms.
Medical workers in the two hospitals will be provided with protective gear.
The county commissioner directed all matatu saccos to ensure they observe hygiene or risk bans.
“As we encourage people to avoid unnecessary traveling, we want all matatu saccos to ensure their vehicles are clean and passengers are provided with sanitisers,” said Mr. Barre.
Head teachers were also warned of releasing students without planned transportation means.
The commissioner said some schools have already released their students who are currently loitering in shopping centres.
Public health officers assisted by village elders were entrusted with sensitising residents at grassroots about the disease and how avoid contracting or spreading coronavirus.
