The dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been a subject of debate in Kenya ever since the disease broke out in China in January 2020. In Kenya, there has been heightened concerned over the government's effort to prevent the outbreak.
On Thursday, February 27, a photo of a Kenyan taxi driver ferrying three Chinese passengers went viral, after the driver was spotted wearing a protective mask.
The photo captured by passengers in another car was taken near Daystar University along Valley Road, Nairobi.
Kenyans swiftly reacted to the photo offering their thoughts on several social media platforms, with the conversation centred around the government's apparent inaction in assuring Kenyans of their safety.
"The government led by Uhuru and Ruto are so generous. I think they want to get favours in the eyes of God for being the most welcoming leaders despite the current situation in the world. Their generosity was further displayed when they directed them (Chinese) to self-quarantine," William Ouma trolled.
"Since the government is gambling with the lives of its people, that is the best the taxi driver could do. God have mercy on us," Ciku Mbaria prayed.
Other Kenyans were quite doubtful if a facemask was enough protection in the event that an infected person was in the vicinity.
"That mask is not enough, he needs medical eye shield, gown, gumboots and gloves," Shiko Banga opined.
"He is very brave. He is facing coronavirus head-on," Loise Waithera lauded.
Prevention
A report by BBC on February 4, detailed that doctors argued although wearing the mask was effective in stopping people from passing on the micro organism to others, it may not stop people from getting ill.
"Although there is a perception that the wearing of facemasks may be beneficial, there is in fact very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use outside of these clinical settings," Dr Jake Dunning, head of emerging infections and zoonoses at Public Health England, stated.
"Routine surgical masks for the public are not effective protection against viruses or bacteria carried in the air as they are too loose, have no air filter and leave the eyes exposed," Dr David Carrington, of St George's, University of London added.
CNN on Wednesday, February 26, further reported that while coronavirus can exist on surfaces for days, conditions such as temperature and humidity must be favourable. Covid-19 is primarily spread through close contact with someone who is infected.
"Be intentionally hygienic in public and during interactions with others. Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention. Effective hand hygiene requires appropriate duration and thoroughness, which should be a goal each time our hands are cleaned," an excerpt of the article advised.
Outcry
Classic FM presenter Maina Kageni in a morning show expressed his dismay at what he described as the government's lethargy in putting in place preventive measures.
"I don't know what to say, but much needs to be done against this outbreak. Where is the government?" Kageni wondered.
Taking to Twitter, Makueni Senator also lashed out at the government, after 239 passengers who arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 26, aboard a China Southern Airlines flight were cleared and advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. The Ministry of Health further confirmed that the airline had resumed their flights, days after it had suspended its direct flights to Kenya.
"Self-quarantine is an oxymoron. We are inviting coronavirus with a bouquet of flowers," Kilonzo reacted.
"This is a very sad and unfortunate thing to happen in the 21st century," Former Kambu Governor Kabogo stated in a reply to the Machakos Senator.
