Border communities urged to demonstrate vigilance in Corona war
The government has urged communities living along the borders to be at the frontline in the fight against Covid-19 by reporting people sneaking into the country through unmanned routes.
And yesterday as the country reported 21 more cases bringing the total to 758 infections, Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi described the porous border as red zones, saying 47 - 22 Kenyans and 25 Tanzanians - recorded positive on May 13 at the crossing points.
“Because of the porosity of the borders, I appeal to communities living around there to exercise Nyumba Kumi and report suspicious individuals who are using panya routes to get into the country,” she said.
Mwangangi said the porous borders and truck drivers have been identified as the weak link in the fight to stem the spread of deadly respiratory flu.
She cited the Isebania border point at the Kenya-Tanzania as a hotspot.
“At another border point of Isebania, Migori County, we continue to witness positive cases and the government continues to monitor closely,” she added.
Mwangangi said two more patients had succumbed to Covid-19 in Nairobi bringing the total to 48 locally. She said 284 recoveries after three more were reported.
She revealed the East African Community (EAC) heads of state are in constant discussion with their counterparts on how best the matter could be handled for safety well being for their people.
On Tuesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Salva Kirr of South Sudan held a teleconference meeting over free movement in the region.
John Magufuli (Tanzania) did not participate in the meeting and his country is in the spotlight after US on Wednesday issued a health alert over hospitals being overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.
“US citizens who remain in Tanzania should be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
The US government does not anticipate arranging additional repatriation flights in Tanzania at this time.
However, in the event that opportunity becomes available, we are asking you to let us know if you are interested in being contacted,” the embassy said.
“The National Emergency Response Committee is monitoring the situation closely and would not hesitate to take any measures as the situation dictates,” added Mwangangi.
