Bars and eateries closed in Murang’a as alarm is raised over increased cases of COVID-19

Murang’a county government has closed operation of bars and eateries in two sub-locations after an increase of COVID-19 cases.

In the new directives, restaurants and eateries in Mukurwe and Njai-ini sub locations in Gatanga Sub County are required to strictly observe covid-19 protocols whereas bars should remain closed.

For the last two weeks, the two sub-locations have reported more than 50 cases of coronavirus and seven deaths caused by the virus.

Murang’a County Executive Member for Health and Sanitation Joseph Mbai on Monday said the county government will partner with the ministry of interior administration to ensure the guidelines are followed.

“We will begin to conduct raids and crackdowns in order to arrest those flouting the COVID rules,” Mbai told K24 Digital.

He noted that despite the fact that people have been alerted to observe the protocols, the majority are ignoring them and could be spotted in groups at marketplaces.

Currently, Mbai said 31 patients are admitted at Murang’a Level 5 hospital with the disease.

“On top of that number, we have 14 covid-19 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the county referral hospital,” he added.

The CEC continued; “the increased cases of covid-19 in our county is because people are not adhering to given guidelines. At market places, there is no social distance, people are not washing hands and others have stopped wearing masks.”

He asked churches to ensure they maintain the three-quarters capacity rule and ensure there is physical distance among the worship.

“It’s my appeal to leaders of churches to strictly adhere to the ministry of health guidelines since we don't want our churches to be venues for contracting the disease,” Mbai added.

The CEC noted that they are in the process to start campaigns to remind locals about Ministry of health protocols aimed to contain the spread of the virus.

He urged public transporters to strictly adhere to the ministry of health directives so as to curb the spread of covid-19.

A resident from Mukurwe, James Mwangi noted that his family for a period of one week have lost three members due to the pandemic.

Mwangi added that two more people from his village succumbed to the disease urging the county government to help them settle hospital bills.

“We have other family members who are admitted in hospital. The bill is overwhelming and we are appealing for help. It seems one of our family members brought the disease to the village and due to ignorance of the guidelines, the majority have been affected.” Added Mwangi.

Mwangi urged people to take the precautions carefully as his family has been hit hard by the virus and is facing stigma from the residents.