To win war on coronavirus, we must all embrace government measures

In the recent past, the government has faced a barrage of criticism over its coronavirus preparedness and response.

There has been widespread public concern that the government is not taking this public health emergency that continues to wreak havoc across the world, with the seriousness it deserves.

This was especially after it was revealed that it had allowed a planeload of tourists from China at a time the country was hard hit by the outbreak. As a result, Kenyans felt the government was not keen to keep the virus at bay.

However, since he took over, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has somewhat restored  confidence in the government as the custodian of public health, going by the manner he worked hard to prepare for a possible outbreak.

That confidence was shored up yesterday by President Uhuru Kenyatta when he announced a raft of measures to deal with coronavirus which, so far, has been confirmed in three people.

The measures include banning of flights from more than 100 countries that have reported cases of coronavirus, for 30 days. Closing all schools, colleges and universities by Friday this week. Kenyans have been directed to avoid public gatherings such as weddings, funerals and churches. Employers have been directed to encourage workers on non-essential services to work from home. Those who entered the country in the past two days have been ordered to self-quarantine.

These are tough measures. In fact, they are unprecedented in Kenya's history. But extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

That's what the world has learnt from the still unfolding coronavirus nightmare. Kenya has an advantage because it has learnt important lessons on response from countries such as China, Spain, Italy and even America which learnt the hard way. Hundreds of people have died in those countries and many others have tested positive for the virus.

Similar measures like the ones announced by Uhuru yesterday have been taken in those countries, and have gone a long way in saving lives.

What is important now is for Kenyans to follow the government's directive to the letter in order for the country to fight this outbreak successfully. Hand washing, keeping off gatherings, covering one's mouth while coughing or sneezing are simple things that each and every one of us can do and must habitually do if we are to win the war against this monster.

These measures can help to stop the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the government must brush up its response mechanisms so that it can respond speedily to all Kenyans in distress as a result of coronavirus.