North Rift has excelled in Corona prevention and surveillance— Oparanya.
Council of Governor’s chair Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has lauded NOREB’s preparedness, surveillance and prevention measures as the country combats the spread of Corona Virus.
Oparanya also noted several challenges unique to North Rift Counties which he said shall be presented at COVID- 19 National Governing Council which he co-chairs with Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
“I have noted the challenge of how to deal with refugees from across the neighboring countries who reside in this region. I will raise this matter with the national government so that a protocol on their management is formulated”, Oparanya said.
Later in the day, Governor Oparanya held a meeting with all the North Rift Valley Governors and the leadership of Moi Referral & Teaching Hospital at the facility.
Speaking after the meeting, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago asked for establishment of a protocol to guide counties with international borders.
“I am also calling on all counties to harmonize screening protocols so that there is uniformity of data collection and screening processes in all our county entry points to ensure an efficient Corona Virus surveillance and prevention,” Mandago said.
He also asked National Government to convert Kakuma Influenza laboratory into a COVID-19 testing center to be managed by Moi Referral & Teaching Hospital.
Elgeiyo Marakwet Govenor Alex Tolgos thanked his counterparts for the support they have offered to floods and landslide victims in Chesogon and other areas bordering West Pokot County.
Each county has contributed kshs 200,000 for the victims while Uasin Gishu has also provided road construction machinery to assist in recovery and opening up of emergency access roads.
MTRH CEO Dr Wilson Aruasa asked regional medical experts to develop a model showing possible spread of the disease in the region to help the counties in better planning. He requested confirmation of the first COVID -19 patient in April 6th 2020.
So far, the eight NOREB Counties have tested 53 suspected COVID-19 samples but only two have been found positive while 150,000 people have been screened.
In terms of preparedness the region has set aside 162 beds, 30 of which are ICU units. MTRH has tested 43 samples. The hospital can test 960 samples per day.
