Homabay county commissioner Moses Lilan has issued a directive that stops night vigils in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The directive was issued after they realised that residents were not observing Covid-19 preventive protocols during funerals.
In a statement signed by Lilan and Governor Cyprian Awiti, the County Covid-19 Emergency Respionse Committee resolved to ban any gatherings of people for night vigils at funerals.
The two co-chair the emergency response committee.
They said that a family that does not want to take their deceased person to a mortuary must bury the body in 24 hours after death while bereaved families to remove the body from a mortuary and bury it the same day.
“We must make funerals a weaker link to the spread of the virus. Let’s comply with the laid down procedures for prevention of Covid-19,” Awiti said.
Most of the time families and relatives hold night vigils at home when the body of the deceased arrives from the morgue for later interment.
Some people do not wear face masks nor observe social distance which exposes them to risks of contracting Covid-19. The leaders resolved that they will not allow more than 200 people to attend any funeral ceremony.
Lilan said there will be no night vigils at any funeral.
Only meetings conducted within a hall or meeting room will be allowed and conducted with not more than one-third of the capacity of the venue.
“Government and security officers from the village level in every corner of the county will ensure the above regulations are adhered to,” Lilan said.
So far, 722 people have been arrested in the county for failing to comply with Covid-19 safety protocols.
They urged residents to wear masks, washing their hands regularly and observe social distancing to protect themselves from Covid-19 infections.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris