Consistent use of masks crucial in curbing infection

As the coronavirus numbers go up in Kenya, it is safe for Kenyans to know there’s no vaccine or medicine so far and therefore, prevention is the most cost-effective way of fighting the deadly disease.

That is why Kenyans must embrace preventive measures outlined by the government including proper hand washing or sanitising, keeping social distance and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth as the most practical ways of combating Covid-19 pandemic.

Noteworthy is the reduction or avoidance of constant use of currency notes in business transactions, which aid in spread of the virus. 

One of the surest ways of curbing the spread is the consistent use of masks. If all Kenyans, whether infected or not, were to wear masks at all times, we will surely prevent the spread.

It is worthwhile noting that the virus is spread using droplets from the mouth when one sneezes, coughs or talks forcefully. When these droplets land in either the eyes, mouth or nose of an uninfected person, the virus spreads.

If the droplets also fall on surfaces, and uninfected persons touch those surfaces and then, without sanitising or washing hands, they touch their eyes, mouth or nose, the virus also spreads.

Masks would therefore prevent the infected from spreading and protect the uninfected from contracting the virus. That Kenya has capacity to manufacture some protective gear with the assistance from the private sector is not only encouraging, but will go a long way in curbing the spread of the disease.

In addition, to promote prevention, all leaders at all levels must join hands with the government in helping Kenyans change their behaviour.

Nineteen days after its outbreak in Kenya was announced, on April 1, Kenya registered two more full recovery of patients. Despite the fact that the numbers of people confirmed to have the virus are rising, standing at 189 by April 10, there is hope that contracting of the virus is not a death sentence.

Global statistics show that as more people get infected, many more are recovering from the disease. For instance, according to World Health Organisation, as of April 7, reported cases of the Covid-19 stood at 1,349,821 globally.

Of this figure, while 74,820 have already died, 286,877 have fully recovered after they tested positive for the disease.

Even though there is no vaccine or medicine available for the virus, the global recovery rate stands at more than 85 per cent, WHO statistics indicate.

The recovery rate depends on one’s immune system. That means the stronger our immunity, the stronger we are able to fight the virus on our own. Such people may develop mild conditions, some of which are not even noticeable by themselves or others.

As a nation, we can ride on the fact that majority of Kenyans are youthful, meaning their bodies can fight infections, including the virus. But we must continue to follow the guidelines and the directives given by the government through the Ministry of Health if we are to record more recoveries. It is important to note that the country continues to respond to the pandemic, laying down important measures the citizenry must follow.

This is not a fight of the government or one section of the community. It is for all Kenyans. The fight can be won, and will be won, if we continue following those guidelines, and importantly, changing our behaviour.

Mass testing and management of infected cases is the key success factor in management of the new virus. Two thousand and fifty people who returned to the country between March 22 and 25, are currently on mandatory quarantine in various designated hotels and government facilities and will be tested to ensure they do not have the virus, and so that they do not spread it in the country.

Employing more health workers is critical to the success against the virus and we must therefore laud the government for its plans to employ an additional 1,000 health professionals.

It is also good news that despite a widespread shortage of ventilators around the world currently, Kenya is making efforts to secure as many as possible. World Bank has donated 250 already.

Plans to increase at least 1000 ICU beds on top of what the country had before demonstrates that the government is taking the fight against the virus with the seriousness it deserves.

- Prof Kiptoo is the chief executive officer at the Kenya Medical Training College