By Kigotho Mwangi
An Uber driver and a Chinese national were quarantined in Nakuru County over coronavirus fears.
Nakuru Health minister, Dr. Kariuki Gichukias, said that the Chinese citizen was allowed to travel to his house in Ingobor village after being screened at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on his arrival.
The Chinese national, who is married to a Kenyan, quarantined himself on February 10 when he arrived from a small town in China called Bumbai, which is not in the affected Wuhan province.
“After he got home, he developed some symptoms that many thought were those exhibited by coronavirus patients. Our staff were able to trace him and quarantine him in his servant’s quarters.,” said Dr. Gichuki on Wednesday morning.
Dr. Gichuki said the Chinese national has been living in his servant quarters since his arrival as one of the countermeasures for the coronavirus is a 14-day monitoring period.
The Health boss assured Nakuru residents that there is no cause for alarm as the signs so far don’t match those the dreaded coronavirus disease.
“We will visit Ingobor village and educate people on the disease because some residents have started moving out,” said Dr. Gichuki.
The county said that it has trained over 200 health workers on coronavirus preparedness and purchased relevant equipment to counter any outbreak.
Dr. Gichuhi said that all hospitals in Nakuru County are on high alert for quick response in case any coronavirus case is confirmed.
But the Uber man was quarantined and released on the same day because he did exhibit any signs to warrant isolation.
