FEATURED STORY

With 2% Death Toll, Here’s What The World Fears About Corona Virus

Share
KEMSA is already stocking up with face masks in preparation for the corona virus outbreak. www.businesstoday.co.ke
KEMSA is already stocking up with face masks in preparation for the corona virus outbreak. Photo/ Business Today
Share

Governments and states from all over the world are gearing up in preparation of how to deal with the coronavirus in case it breaks into their region.

Kenya has also played its part after the president’s executive order. It has been well over a month since the first case of the coronavirus was reported in Wuhan China. The virus has not spread much but everyone is well prepared to handle it in the event it spreads to them.

The virus is similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which was also a threat when it broke out in 2003. SARS belongs to the same family as the current COVID-19, the coronavirus family.

The world has seen a similar version of the coronavirus and dealt with it. However, it is not certain that this new version of the virus can be dealt with like SARS was.

Speaking to a Business Today reporter, Ashi Dhanani the chief pharmacist at Nairobi Enterprises Limited (NEL), said that almost the same equipment used to deal with SARS is being employed right now.

“It has been the same precautions that have been given in both cases. For SARS, it was an incubation period, total isolation,” Ashi remarked, “In both cases face masks are used for prevention measures but it is with the new Covid-19 that hand sanitizers are also used for prevention.”

The Risk of Covid-19

Ever since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in China, 2% of all infected people have died from the virus so far. The main threat that is feared with the virus is how fast it can spread. The virus is more likely to be difficult to handle if it spreads all over the world.

With medical experts on their toes trying to come up with the virus’ vaccine, all everyone can do is protect themselves. The virus is more like a cold and mainly affects the body’s respiratory system.

“It is recommended that you always take a hot shower, sanitize your hands every 20 minutes and use a face mask at all times. If you think you see the symptoms then isolate yourself for 14 days,” Ashi advises o how to keep yourself safe from the virus.

In what she terms as a coincidence, Ashi’s NEL had the equipment required to contain the virus way before the virus even broke out. The company is already supplying to Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

“It was a coincidence because we started manufacturing face masks and hand sanitizers and have been supplying to KEMSA for over a year now,” noted Ashi.

KEMSA is taking in stocks of face masks and hand sanitizers in preparation of the corona virus. However, no patient has been diagnosed with the same in Kenya so far.

Written by
Kevin Namunwa -

Kevin Namunwa is a senior reporter for Business Today. Email at [email protected].

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us

Related Articles
Affordable Housing Project
FEATURED STORY

Govt Puts Up For Sale 4,888 Affordable Housing Units: Here’s The Full List And How To Buy

The government has put up for sale 4,888 affordable housing units across...

Geraldine Sande, Channel Sales Leader for Schneider Electric East Africa
FEATURED STORY

How Working With ‘Glocal’ Original Equipment Manufacturers Can Empower East Africa’s Channel Partners For Success

Channel partners in East Africa, including resellers, distributors, system integrators and panel...

Treasury CS John Mbadi
FEATURED STORY

Understanding Tax Amendment Bills: How The New Laws Will Affect Kenyans

The government has announced several amendments to the existing tax laws to...

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs
FEATURED STORY

Inside Kenya’s 60 Years of Diplomatic Journey

Kenya is set to commemorate 60 years of diplomacy this week starting...