COVID-19: Kenya Medical Association now wants political gatherings banned, bar operations restricted

COVID-19: Kenya Medical Association now wants political gatherings banned, bar operations restricted

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has raised a red flag over the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the country, blaming the situation on the disregard of protective measures recommended by the Ministry of Health.

KMA has in particular raised concern over the ongoing political gatherings and now wants the government to immediately ban the rallies for at least the next 30 days.

The medical association is also raising concern over lack of adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols in entertainment joints including bars and restaurants.

“The Association notes with concern that adherence to the Ministry of Health guidelines meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus is waning. This has been attributed to pandemic fatigue, financial constraints faced by Kenyans during movement restrictions and concerns about the government’s approach and communication strategy,” said KMA President Dr. Were Onyino, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“Of more concern is the fact that political leaders who should be leading by example have blatantly defied the Ministry of Health’s guidelines on COVID-19. An increase in cases in several counties has been linked to political rallies, which have proven to be super-spreader events. The gains made to mitigate the effects of this pandemic are quickly being reversed during these high-contact gatherings.”

To curb the community spread of COVID-19, KMA has recommended a raft of measures it describes as “circuit breakers” to stop the cycle of transmission. The measures include; “That the government bans all large gatherings including political rallies for a period of no less than 30 days; That the government enforces adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines for bars, restaurants and clubs especially for those operating in total disregard of the guidelines.”

The Association is also proposing that the government reinstitutes strict restrictions on movement within counties that are experiencing a spike in infections as well as enforce strict compliance to public health measures including physical distancing, hand washing, mandatory wearing of masks and testing.

“That the county governments improve access to COVID-19 testing and equip health facilities to accommodate and care for COVID-19 patients, particularly those in need of critical care,” adds the Association.

Lastly, it wants the government to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in schools through linking them to healthcare service.

Since the reopening of the economy in August 2020 the country has witnessed a steady increase in COVID-19 cases, fatalities and positivity rate.

In the last week, Kenya recorded its highest fatality rate with almost 100 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Association is also urging the government to enhance the safety of health workers in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic.

KMA wants the government to hire more health workers to ensure every Kenyan has access to the highest attainable standard of healthcare, provide adequate and quality personal protective equipment to all health workers as well as implement the compensation plan for health workers and pay salaries on time.

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