Gideon: We are the solution, let’s unite to fight coronavirus pandemic

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has asked Kenyans to adhere to public health measures to prevent community transmission of the novel coronavirus. 

Gideon said it is worrying that despite the disease having spread to more than 20 counties, some Kenyans are not taking the guidelines seriously.

“The virus is with us and we need to be keen and follow measures to avoid it spreading it to the villages,” he said.

Gideon warned that an upsurge of the disease within the community will strain the health system and adversely affect the economy which is already under stress.

He said the people are the solution to stopping the virus from spreading further and called for cooperation.

Health volunteers

He was speaking yesterday at Moi High School Kabarak when he flagged off 6,000 litres of hand sanitiser and 20,000 masks that will be distributed to the needy in Baringo.

Respective groups in Eldama Ravine, Mogotio, Baringo Central, Baringo South, Tiaty, Baringo North sub-counties are the beneficiaries of the donations. Among those to benefit are boda boda operators, vegetable sellers, community health volunteers currently sensitising locals on the disease and vulnerable people in the society.

“Though this disease has not been reported in Baringo, it is highly transmittable and we cannot just relax. We need to cooperate and ensure we do not contract it,” he said.

“Boda boda operators and Mama Mbogas are among the groups that will receive masks and the hand sanitisers because they interact with people more,” he said.

The masks, which have been certified by Ministry of Health and Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), were made by Moi High School Kabarak tailoring department which has a capacity to manufacture between 800 and 1,000 masks daily.

Gideon said there are plans to have some of the masks distributed to other counties to help in the fight against the disease.

So far, the department has made 16,000 masks.

Gideon also called on Kenyans to support the needy as the country fights the disease.

“This is the time for leaders and all Kenyans to come together for unity of purpose, and support those directly or indirectly affected by the disease,” he said.

The senator asked Kenyans to regularly wash their hands with soap and water and those who have no business in town centres to stay at home.

“It worries to see people not washing their hands with soap and water. These measures are set to protect our lives, so let us cooperate,” he pleaded.

He implored Kenyans to support healthcare workers in the frontline of fighting the disease.

“We have a team of dedicated health workers working round the clock to conduct tests and treat patients. Let us support them by staying at home and washing our hands,” he said.

Recovery process

Gideon also called on the community to support Covid-19 positive patients to speed up the recovery process and avoid stigmatising them after recovery.

People taken to quarantine, he said, should not be stigmatised or isolated by the society.

“So long as someone adheres to Covid-19 case management measures after they are suspected, confirmed or treated and recover, they should be accepted back by the society,” he said.

Also present was Baringo County Commissioner Henry Wafula who received the medical supplies for distribution.

Mr Wafula asked locals to observe personal hygiene, wear masks and maintain social distancing.

“The war against Covid-19 requires all our efforts. Let us therefore be law-abiding Kenyans,” Mr Wafula said. 

According to the Ministry of Health, Nairobi is leading with Covid-19 positive cases, followed by Mombasa, Kilifi, Kiambu, Machakos, Mandera and Wajir counties.

At least 24 people have died of the disease that was first reported in Kenya on March 13. Globally, at least 3.5 million have been affected, with 250,000 dying.