One day after the state reported its seventh COVID-19 case, the government is set to embark on the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to help limit the spread of the disease.
In a circular, Head of Public Service, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua has ordered government agencies clinging on to any impounded ethanol to hand it over to the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) who will then work in sync with select private oil producers in the country who have pledged to channel their resources to making the free sanitizers.
“KPC will utilize an accountability framework for the manufacture and distribution of the sanitizers,” said Kinyua, a former Treasury Permanent Secretary.
Public health officials have advised Kenyans to wash their hands regularly to contain the spread of the virus. The disease is caused by the transfer of a droplet from one infected person to an uninfected person.
Experts globally have advised people to avoid touching their faces, especially with unwashed hands.
Kenyans have already been advised to maintain social distances at all times but that has done little to stop the spread of the virus with the country reporting new cases regularly since the first one was reported last week.
Lockdown
The cabinet is set to meet on Thursday after growing concerns over the spread of the virus. Reports indicate that the executive is mooting locking down the country to stop Kenyans from retreating upcountry where health systems are considerably weaker.
This is akin to measures adopted by virus hit countries including Italy, China, France, and Spain.
If this happens, Kenyans’ movement would be limited on essential interactions such as the purchase of foodstuffs and household items, trips to the banks and pursuit of medical treatment.
Virus
On Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed an additional three virus cases taking the total number to seven.
According to the CS, the two of the three cases involved a couple from Spain who touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on March 4 while the third one involved a Burundian national who arrived in Kenya from Dubai on March 17.
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