52 students in Busia school test positive for Covid-19

Medics from the Busia County Referral Hospital light candle to remember their departed colleague Dr Daniel Alushula who succumbed to Covid-19 last week. [Ignatius Odanga, Standard]

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has raised a red flag over increasing coronavirus infection in the county.

Of the 100 samples that were taken at Kolanya Boys High School in Teso North, 60 returned positive with students accounting for 52. The rest of the cases were of six teachers and two support staff.

So far, at least 16 healthcare workers in Busia have contracted the virus and 152 prisoners are currently receiving treatment. 10 people from various parts of the county have succumbed. 

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mr Ojaamong disclosed that containment measures of the coronavirus have been scaled up after the county received its allocation from the national treasury.

However, surveillance for the positive cases in the region, the county boss, said is still a challenge.

“Lack of finances was hampering the fight against the virus. But we have scaled up many activities aimed at keeping the virus at bay,” said Ojaamong.

Risk from truck drivers

The governor said locals are at great risk of contracting the virus because of the long queues from heavy commercial vehicles waiting to cross the Uganda border at Busia and Malaba. The truckers have been identified as the weakest link in the fight against Covid-19.

Busia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri urged teachers to religiously observe the laid down guidelines aimed at stemming the spread in schools.

“Teachers should ensure all laid down guidelines are adhered to by them and students to avoid the spread of the virus in learning institutions, “said Kanyiri.

Remembering Dr Daniel Alushula

Meanwhile, medics at the Busia County Referral Hospital where the late Dr Daniel Alushula worked as Senior Orthopedic Surgeon lit candles in remembrance of their departed colleague.

The Western Region Secretary General of Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) Sande Charo said Alushula has left a big gap that may not be filled anytime soon.

Alushula succumbed to Covid-19 at the Avenue Hospital in Kisumu where he had been admitted for medication after he was infected with the virus.

 “He was an accomplished doctor who loved his job and mentored many young medics,” said Charo.