-
March 15, 2020CORONAVIRUS- KENYA
I am not one to follow the news closely anymore since the recession of 2008. I can attest that I have a more peaceful mindset with the news. But this COVID-19 has pulled me back in and to watch all that is happening in the US and around the world has been quite concerning. Though I felt the virus was coming here to Kenya, I also felt we were very far away from it and somewhat protected. In fact, there is a myth here that Africans are immune to this virus.
When China was suffering and made the world news, videos began circulating of human body parts stacked in meat production facilities being processed for consumption. And because of this the Chinese were being punished by God.
As time went on the virus began to spread around the world, people began saying that if it comes to Kenya it will be devastating. We are not prepared and do will not know what to do. As I heard all these fearful predictions and stayed tuned to the news, I was becoming a bit anxious myself.
On Friday March 13, late afternoon it was announced that we had our first case in the capital city of Nairobi. She is a 27-year-old Kenyan lady who traveled from the US to London to Kenya on March 5. By Saturday the city of almost 5 million people became quiet. I was to travel by train to Nairobi today (Sunday) then by a 6-hour bus trip to visit a couple students on attachment. Thank God we cancelled yesterday due to the news of the 27-year-old lady.
I went to 7am Mass and the visiting priest began telling the parishioners how to be hygienic to take of oneself and protect others. After Mass, I went to the supermarket to pick up some items and at the door, they were distributing hand sanitizer for everyone to use before they entered. All the hotels are doing the very same practice.
This afternoon it was announced that two more cases were confirmed by those who had contact with the 27-year-old infected woman. Along with that statement, was a presidential directive to take effect in 48 hours and to last 30 days:- All Kenyan citizens with valid residency permit will be allowed in the country with the condition that they self-quarantine for 14 days or in a government facility.
- Suspended travel for anyone coming from a country reported with Coronavirus cases.
- All who have come to Kenya in the past 14 days must self-quarantine if they show cough or fever.
- Primary and Secondary schools to suspend operations from Monday. Those in boarding schools to be home by March 18 th and university students by Friday the 20 th.
- Government offices and companies are encouraged to allow employees to work from home and encourage cashless transactions.
Within 48 hours of the very first confirmed case it appears the government is doing a very good job. Now our job is to assist in educating and reminding the local people to take proper precautions.
And now we all pray for one another.
