Do not panic, follow instructions to the letter and be part of the solution in this fight

Kenyans should not panic now that finally we have a confirmed case of coronavirus in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned governments that for the pandemic, which began in China, it was a matter of “when and not if” the new virus would make it into the country.

Although there have been a few lapses in preventing its entrance into the country, Kenya is still capable of containing COVID-19 as it is now, because of promptly isolating the patient as per the laid down protocols.

The contact tracing that the Ministry of Health has embarked on is another key component on containing the disease.

In an outbreak such as this, gathering as much information as possible for purposes of disease surveillance and further follow-ups cannot be underestimated.

That this is actively happening should inspire confidence among Kenyans.

Many Kenyans are concerned that this individual has been in the country for almost a week without being detected or suspected. The global trend so far shows that people who are asymptomatic are unlikely to spread this coronavirus, and the risk of spread is still low.

Its active spread is from respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. This is the reason hand hygiene and cough etiquette are our biggest defence from contracting the virus at the moment.

A majority of those infected have survived the disease. Of the total number of people infected globally, more than half have recovered. Of the remaining half, only nine per cent are in critical condition. The rest have mild symptoms and are expected to recover and go home within two weeks of falling sick.

Most affected

Three per cent of the people who have had coronavirus have succumbed to it. The most affected are the elderly or people with other terminal illnesses that compromise their immunity.

Anyone in Kenya above the age of 50 should take extra precautions in keeping healthy by watching what they eat in order not to compromise their immunity, especially if they are on any other long-term treatment. If in this category and you fall sick, seek treatment as soon as possible.

Keeping away from crowds and unnecessary meetings as part of social distancing will help Kenyans not to spread or contract the disease. Limiting any chance of person-to-person interaction will go a long way in containing the virus as is currently.

Concerns about attending church services and other religious gatherings are valid. While religious gatherings heal the soul and play a role in allaying anxiety through prayers, the thought of the effect it might have on the physical health of people in the event there is an unknown asymptomatic person in the congregation is terrifying.

As time goes by, the government ought to give direction on this particular matter. In my opinion, religious services should be held remotely, and people can stream. Kenyans should avoid crowds by all means, borrowing from what others have done, such as in the sporting world.

The ongoing global effort to control the pandemic is an assurance to Kenyans that concerted efforts and resources are being mobilised by every government to contain the disease from further spread.

The bigger part of prevention and containment however lies with all of us. In office complexes, for example, landlords and office managers ought to provide adequate sanitisers and ensure hygiene is maintained at all levels.

Offices and all surfaces such as handrails and buttons in lifts should be cleaned with disinfectant several times a day.

The same applies to our homes and schools, although less than two per cent of people who have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus are children, and fewer developed critical illness.

Containment of the disease that has now made it into Kenya is possible, as long as people do not panic, and follow instructions to the letter and report to the nearest health facility at the soonest possible time.

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