French cognac distiller Hennessy this week distanced itself
from Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s claims that their drink can help in killing
the Coronavirus.
Through a statement, the company stressed that no alcoholic
beverage can protect one from the virus, adding that regular washing of hands
with soap and water should be practiced instead.
“Hennessy would like to stress that the consumption of our
brand or any other alcoholic beverage does not protect against the virus.
“In line with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Ministry of Health of Kenya (MOH), Hennessy advises on washing hands regularly
with soap and water or hydro-alcoholic gels, wearing face masks, practicing
social distancing and staying at home,” read the statement in part.
This is after Sonko justified his donation of 150ml bottles
of Hennessy alongside food packs.
“Kenyans under lockdown in Nairobi will receive150ml bottles
of Hennessy, masks and hand sanitizers in the food pack, the package which we
give to our people to keep themselves safe during this period.
"We have been
giving some small bottles of hennessy in the food pack that we have been
distributing. I think research from the World Health Organization (WHO) has
shown that alcohol plays a strong part in killing the coronavirus,"
Sonko said.
Ureport would like to stress that the only sure way to keep
the virus at bay is to regularly wash hands using running water and soap and sanitizing.
The Ministry of Health has also instructed Kenyans to wear
masks in public places and to avoid handshakes.
Social distancing is also key. Where possible, stay at home to avoid contracting the virus.