Ministry of health workers fumigate GPO bus station, Nairobi, against the coronavirus. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The fumigation of Nairobi has begun.

A total 215 health workers from City Hall were Thursday deployed across Nairobi County where they began the fumigation aimed at sanitising public and crowded spaces and areas likely to be epicentres for the spread of the deadly Covid-19, the scientific name for the novel coronavirus.

Another 200 public health officers that were on leave have also been recalled by the County health department to assist in efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The officers fumigated the Wakulima and Muthurwa markets, GPO bus station, Tea Room, Nyamakima Matatu terminus, Kencom bus station, Kirinyaga Road, City Hall Way, Khoja Matatu terminus, Aga Khan Walk, City Hall premises, sitting benches next to Hilton hotel, Kenya Archives area, shoeshine points near bus stops and crash barriers in the city.

Matatus and buses were also fumigated using chlorine.

Nairobi County Health Deputy Director Wilson Langat said the exercise would continue until the spread of the disease was contained.

 “We are also going to recall those that recently retired to assist in our operations. We are targeting hotspots, especially where the public sit and at bus stations” said Langat.

He called on transport service providers to ensure that there was running water and soap at every station so that passengers could clean their hands before boarding and after alighting.

“Sanitisers are also encouraged although the most effective method would be the use of water. This exercise is a continuous one and should continue until our environment is sanitised,” added Langat.

Starehe Sub-County health officer Charles Kibue, said the county had roped in health officers from the 17 sub-counties to carry out the exercise.

“The fumigation will go on continuously for around 14 days. The decision to begin with the city is because it has a lot of transit of people coming in and out,” said Kibue.

The fumigation will then progress into buildings across the city after more equipment has been provided by the Ministry of Health.

Kenya has so far confirmed seven cases of coronavirus.