It began with travelers from abroad to self-quarantine for fourteen days on landing in our country, then followed by: closing of our borders, Social distancing, night curfew, wearing of masks then restricted travelling in and out of affected counties. The next and perhaps most looming option in the event Kenyans ignore the laid down government directives is a lockdown.
People are still engaging in normal businesses unaware of the deadly disease that is shaking the entire world. Yesterday as I was in a bus, passengers argued that we are blacks hence immune to COVID19. It is unfortunate that some of our citizens are still ignorant of the Virus, nobody knows exactly what this COVID-19 is but researchers have offered some counsel which has proven effective in containing the virus. This is not a fight to be won by government alone, but every single person must be responsible for themselves and for others.
Let us not wait to experience deaths to start taking precautions. As soon as you experience severe symptoms of fever, cough, headache, body aches and difficulty in breathing don’t hesitate to call 719.
The most powerful tool to prevent the spread of the virus is basic preventive measures by individuals. The virus is spread through salivary or mucus droplets, when an infected person coughs or sneezes they project droplets of the virus out into the air and these droplets are breathed in by other people. This is the most common way the virus is spread, and it is the reason why the government is encouraging its citizens to; avoid crowded places, work from home and keep social distance by maintaining at least 1.5 meters between each other.
Another way the virus can spread is when droplets of an infected person land on surfaces and a healthy person touches the surface and proceeds to touch their mouth, ears and nose. These are the gateways for the virus and one ought to avoid touching them to stop the virus from entering the body. This is the reason why everyone is advocating for washing hands frequently with soap and water. It sounds simple but has big impact, basically soap breaks apart the container that holds the virus and once the container is open the virus just washes away with water. Kenyans need to spend time washing their hands to keep safe. This should be done thoroughly, rubbing hands together, cleaning wrists, fingernails and in between fingers. If soap and water are unavailable an individual is expected to use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol and rub it until it is dry.
Social distancing, keeping hands clean, putting on masks and not touching one’s face are more effective ways to stay healthy and minimizing the spread of COVID-19. This is not the time to test if we are immune or not but a time to stay safe. We have witnessed other countries like China, Spain, Italy and America being overwhelmed by the pandemic and we are not exception. Let us not wait to experience deaths to start taking precautions. As soon as you experience severe symptoms of fever, cough, headache, body aches and difficulty in breathing don’t hesitate to call 719.