The Kenya Red Cross on Saturday warned the public against
masks that are being distributed at bus stops in the wake of the Coronavirus.
Those who sell them claim they offer protection from the
Coronavirus but Red Cross has distanced itself from the “campaign”.
Further, it stated that there are no such plans on the table
and urged Kenyans to be vigilant to avoid such con games.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports that persons purporting
to be Kenya Red Cross Society staff are distributing masks in public service
bus stops claiming that such masks will protect them from contracting the
Coronavirus.
“We would like to advise members of the public that the
Kenya Red Cross is not and has no plans of carrying out such distribution,” read
the statement in part.
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This comes after Health CS Mutahi Kagwe called on Kenyans to
observe high standards of hygiene and to avoid social gatherings to curb the
spread of the virus.
While giving an update on the number of infections in the
country on Friday, Kagwe said there were no new cases reported but warned that
the next two weeks will be crucial since statistics show the number of
infections often go up around 14 days after the first case is reported.
He announced a raft of measures to ensure this does not happened
and they include:
- 14-seater matatus to carry a maximum of eight passengers
- 25-seater buses will carry 15 passengers
- Bars and entertainment joints to close at 7.30pm effective
Monday
- Bars have to ensure social distancing is adhered to
- Introduce home deliveries where possible
- Supermarkets to limit number of shoppers at any given time
based on premise size
- A queue management system where the elderly, expectant and
the disabled will be given preference
- Supermarkets encouraged to operate for 24hours (will be
provided with security where possible)
- One person at a time shopping policy i.e. leave your
children at home when you go to shop
- Management of open-air markets asked to ensure the area is
disinfected thoroughly
- Goods should be placed on raised platforms
