PRESS STATEMENT ON COVID-19 STATUS IN MAKUENI BY MAKUENI COUNTY CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE –
As at 30th August 2021, Makueni County had recorded 1968 cases with 166 deaths. In the last 24 hours, 2 cases have tested positive out of 13 patients tested.
The number of active cases is 137 with 105 on home-based care while 32 admitted.
Makueni has received 46,160 vaccines and has administered 44,149 of which 38,032 are first doses while 6,117 are second doses.
The committee reviewed the status of covid19 pandemic in the county and made the following communication:
1. We draw the citizens to the attention of the Presidential Address of 18th August 2021 on Review of Covid19 Containment Measures. The following is to be adhered to:
a) THAT, the hours of curfew in the territory of the Republic of Kenya shall continue to be observed from 10.00pm to 4.00am for a further containment period of 60 days.
b) THAT, all physical/in-person public gatherings and meetings, including political rallies and campaign meetings for impending by elections are hereby suspended with immediate effect for a period of 60 days. The committee notes that the County has an upcoming by-election for Nguu-Masumba ward and the same must be adhered to.
c) THAT, all other social gatherings, including weddings, celebrations of marriage or traditional unions, ceremonies of rites of passage, funeral/cremation ceremonies and all other similar events or ceremonies, shall strictly adhere to the 100-person attendance limit as prescribed.
d) THAT, in addition to the prevailing guidelines on funeral/interment ceremonies, and to further enhance compliance with the guidelines thereto, officiators and proprietors of funeral homes are to strictly adhere to the prescribed 96 hours of confirmation of death, and secure processing for burial within this period, failure to which appropriate action against management, staff, and premises shall be taken where exceptions are not justified. The committee directs all subcounty and ward emergency response committees as well as morgue operators to ensure this is adhered to.
e) THAT, places of worship nationwide, shall continue to strictly adhere to the one third (1/3) rule for in person worship and congregational worship, and protocols on hygiene and social distancing in accordance with the guidelines of the Inter Faith Council. All religious leaders should ensure compliance.
f) THAT, the operations of bars, restaurants and eateries shall continue as guided by the Ministry of Health guidelines, failure to which appropriate action against management,staff, patrons and premises shall be taken.The committee has profiled 39 bars which have been flouting the Covid 19 guidelines and keenly monitoring.Any one found operating outside the guidelines will have restaurants and
g) THAT, National Government Administration Officers are to secure compliance of these directives without fail.
Responsibility and consequence for breach shall be borne by the National Government Administration Officers in whose jurisdiction the breach occurs. The county administration should work hand in hand with NGAO in their areas of jurisdiction
h) THAT, in enforcing these measures all security sector agencies are directed to ensure that organizers and/or individual leaders, including senior public-sector officials and political leaders take personal responsibility and are held to account for any violation of the measures. There will be no selective application of the law.
2. All containment measures as issued by the ministry of health must be adhered to at all times. These include:
- Hand Hygiene – Proper hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Proper wearing of face mask including maintaining good hygiene of the masks and proper disposal
- Social distancing while in public places
3. We have noted laxity within the transport sector. The committee noted that PSVs were allowed to carry to 100% capacity. The following must however be adhered to:
- Washing hands or sanitization before boarding
- All passenger to properly wear face masks while boarding and maintain throughout the journey
- Checking temperature for all passengers before boarding
- All windows to remain open to allow air circulation
- No vehicle is allowed to carry excess passengers. Wananchi should not board already full matatus (avoid sambaza seats)
- The committee directs that ;Random spot checks and full enforcement of these guidelines will continue
4.All learning institutions are expected to remain vigilant on covid19 containment measures and ensure they have designated isolation spaces within the institution. Heads of these institutions are advised to work hand-in-hand with the department of health services for testing of suspected students and isolation of those who turn positive.
5.Vaccination for all those who are eligible is ongoing in the approved vaccination centers. These are:
1.Mutyambua Subcounty Hospital -Public
2.Mukuyuni Subcounty Hospital -Public
3.Tawa Subcounty Hospital-Public
4.Matiliku Subcounty Hospital-Public
5.Makindu Subcounty Hospital-Public
6.Mbooni Subcounty Hospital-Public
7.Kisau Subcounty Hospital-Public
8.Sultan Hamud Subcounty Hospital-Public
9.Makueni County Referral Hospital-Public
10.Kibwezi Subcounty Hospital-Public
11.Kambu Subcounty Hospital+Public
12.Mtito Andei Subcounty Hospital-Public
13.Kilungu Subcounty Hospital-Public
14.Kikoko Mission Hospital-FBO
15.Ralpha Hospital-Private
16.Royal Star Hospital-Private
17.Kilome Nursing Home-Private
18.Mulatya Memorial Hospital-Private
The vaccines are available in these facilities at no charge.
The department of health will continue to offer outreach services to other facilities to increase vaccination coverage.
The committee has noted with concern the many myths and misconceptions about the vaccines. We want to reassure all members of public that the vaccines offered within the republic of Kenya are effective and safe.
Further, we encourage anyone who has suspicious covid19 symptoms to come forward for testing within our health facilities
6. We thank all the well-wishers who have continued to support the county with donations of food, masks, sanitizers and hand washing facilities through the CERC. We appreciate the continued support from National government through donation of masks and alcohol based hand sanitizers. We continue to welcome more donations.
Cash donations can be forwarded to the Makueni County Covid19 Solidarity fund through the following account:
Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank
Account Name: Makueni County COVID -19 Solidarity
Account Number: 1273040236
The county has an operational Public Emergency Operation Center Telephone/Hotline: (Toll Free), 0800721013
Email: countyhealthmkn@gmail.com
H.E. Hon. Adelina Mwau – Deputy Governor/Ag. CECM Health Services
Maalim Mohamed, MBS – County Commissioner, Makueni County