Vulnerable businesses and professions observe strict measures to keep coronavirus at bay

With the first case of coronavirus being reported in Kenya, businesses and individuals working in the service industry have been forced to rethink their policies to protect workers and customers.

Most buildings in Nairobi are now providing sanitisers at the entrance to ensure hand hygiene of the large number of visitors.

People in jobs which make them vulnerable to the disease are taking initiatives to protect themselves. Brian Oyodo, a taxi driver, says they set up a Whatsapp group where they share news on the disease. He also says they have stocked up on masks and sanitisers.

“The challenge is convincing someone who gets onto your taxi to wear a mask. Most people think it is a joke, so they just brush it off,” says Mr Oyodo.

Public transport is also a vulnerable industry due to the congestion and physical contact of commuters. Statistics show that more than 1.5 million Kenyans use matatus every month.

Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai says they are exploring ways to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to curb coronavirus. He assures that members are ready to distribute fliers on factual information about the disease.

“The ministry should also dedicate part of their budget to buying sanitation products that can be used by people getting into matatus. Everything about protecting people in public transport should not be left to matatu operators,” he says.

He also wants the government to consider setting up hand washing centres in different parts of the country.

Rwanda has been setting up structures where people can get running water in public places since coronavirus started spreading globally.

Medics have also come up with policies and shifts to protect them from the virus. In China, more than 3,000 health care providers were diagnosed with coronavirus, while the USA has had a number of caregivers in nursing homes test positive.

Italy and China have recorded deaths of doctors who were attending to coronavirus victims.

Even though there have been reports and speculation that bankers and people in businesses that have a constant flow of cash are also vulnerable, WHO has clarified that there has not been any proof on the same.

“We were asked if we thought banknotes could transmit Covid-19 and we said you should wash your hands after handling money, especially if handling or eating food,” said WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib

Property managers of buildings with elevators have also been urged to practice elevated hygiene so that the buttons are constantly sanitised to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Security guards, teachers, and preachers should also take extra caution since they have contact with large groups on a daily basis.