Nakuru County Upscales COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness

The County Government of Nakuru is upscaling its COVID-19 Coronavorus disease prevention, surveillance, and management capacity as national figures soar. So far, 11 people have tested positive for the virus in Nakuru County and the local government projects a future surge of numbers due to Nakuru’s centrality on the great Northern corridor.

County Epidemiologist Dr Jacob Rotich said the County Government of Nakuru is setting up a laboratory to upscale the region’s testing capacity. Dr Rotich was speaking when he oversaw the testing of workers from the hospitality industry in the Rongai sub-County at Kwa Gitau Center in Menegai West Ward.

“The upscaling of tests across the country is overwhelming the national testing labs. Nowadays, results come out even after 5 days,” he revealed.

He said over 1,500 food handlers have so far been tested with one person testing positive. He urged hotel owners to cooperate and avail their workforce in numbers and in time. The County Government of Nakuru is carrying out the tests and management for the positive cases on workers in the hospitality industry at no cost.

“The workers in the hospitality industry are among the high-risk groups in terms of inception and transmission due to the high number of people they attend,” he stated.

Over 90 food handlers and managers were tested on the first day of the tests in Menengai West Ward. Dr Rotich said a schedule will be released for other sub-Counties. Ms Judy Njeri from Taidy’s Suites – Nakuru thanked the County Government of Nakuru for availing the tests for free and urged others to take advantage of the scheme.

“Being tested is good for us and our guests.   We have been out of employment since March and getting tested is a clearance to getting our jobs back,” she urged.

Mr Collins Sigei a waiter at Poleos Hotel in Salgaa said their facility has been operating on takeaways only. He dispelled rumours that the tests were painful.