Murang'a facing high Covid-19 fatalities, officials say

Murang’a accounts for 13 percent of the national Covid-19 deaths, county director of health services Winnie Kanyi said Thursday.

Dr Kanyi attributed the situation to a high population of people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and blood pressure.

Dr Kanyi said 50 Murang’a residents died while undergoing treatment in Nairobi while one death was reported within the county.

The Health official urged residents to adhere to the guideline issued by the government to combat Covid-19.

“Health of many is compromised and immunity, especially for the elderly, is very low.

“If we do not take exercise caution, we will be mourning in the next four months with our exponential curve going high,” she said.

She made the remarks as the county government deployed 100 traffic marshals on the Kenol-Murang’a road to ensure motorists are observing Covid-19 rules.

“I have information that matatu crew no longer sanitises passengers and they are still overloading and do not wear face masks.

“We will not allow them to import the coronavirus into our county,” Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria said.

The county commissioner Mohammed Barre announced a further deployment of 200 officers to ensure bars and pubs remain closed.

 “We are aware that most bar owners are using all possible tricks to remain open. This love for money at the expense of our health is inhumane.

“The deployed officers will arrest and charge all offenders,” Mr Barre told the Nation.