No market closures in Tana River, says governor

Businesses in Tana River county will not be closed over fears of coronavirus spread, Governor Dhadho Godhana has said.

Godhana said that closing business will affect the livelihoods of the locals who depend on food supplies from Mombasa and Nairobi.

He said the county will begin spraying all markets with disinfectants to prevent the spread of coronavirus from Friday evening.

Kenya has recorded seven cases of coronavirus infection. All were reported in Nairobi.

There are fears that the number could rise if measures like preventing crowding and proper hygiene are not enforced. 

Speaking in Hola, Godhana said the county's aim is to ensure residents and traders work in a safe, germ-free place.

The governor said all areas in the markets, shops and other business premises shall be sprayed daily.

“My administration has taken preventive measures. Our county is most vulnerable to Covid-19 since it borders Garissa, Kilifi and Lamu which are also at risk,” he said.

He said the county was taking all precautions necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.  

“We shall also spray all public vehicles entering the county from Garissa and Nairobi together with those from Mombasa and Kilifi counties,” he said.

The governor also announced that the county shall embark on a major sensitisation programme on how to prevent contamination with the virus.

Further, he said they would also distribute sanitisers to all service points and buy soap and tapped buckets for all public areas.

Godhana said already two laboratory scientists and a medical doctor have been taken to Nairobi for specialised training. 

He said they intend to get a trainer for all health officials and nurses in the county.  

The administration is renovating a room identified for isolation wards. Works will be completed next week.

(edited by o. owino)