Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has raised a red flag over increasing coronavirus infection in the border county.
Of the 100 samples that were taken at the Kolanya Boys High School in Teso North, 60 returned positive with students accounting for a bigger number, 52. The rest of the cases were of six teachers and two support staff.
So far, at least 16 healthcare workers in Busia have been infected by the virus and 152 prisoners are currently receiving treatment. 10 people have died in various parts of the county.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mr Ojaamong disclosed that containment measures of the infectious coronavirus in the county has 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.
The governor observed that the locals were at risk of contracting the disease because of the long queues of heavy commercial vehicles waiting to cross to Uganda at the border of Busia and Malaba. The truckers were 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 of Coronavirus 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.
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.
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