Coronavirus: Govt appeals to Kenyans to hand over oxygen cylinders not in use

The Ministry of Health on Wednesday appealed to members of the public in possession of oxygen cylinders that they’re not using to hand them over to the government as the fight against Covid-19 intensifies.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi spoke during a press address at Afya House where she revealed that the country had recorded 7 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the total number to 179.

Dr. Mwangangi, while making the appeal, also urged Kenyans to embrace a ‘One for All’ approach saying unity is the only way to win the war against the worldwide pandemic.

“I would like to make a special plea to those who are in possession of oxygen cylinders that are not in use to kindly avail them to us,” said the CAS.

“We require these cylinders as they aid in boosting our capacity to be able to serve our patients, especially those in critical care who may require oxygen supplementation.”

She further issued a new directive that, effective immediately, all salon and barbershop operators must wear face masks while attending to their clients.

The CAS urged these operators to ensure social distancing within their establishments by restricting the number of clients at a time, also directing them to avail hand sanitizers at all times.

“All private testing facilities, as a matter of law and invoking the Public Health Act, are required to share their results with the Ministry of Health for the purposes of monitoring this situation and ensuring that the proper notification is done in accordance with international health regulations,” she added.

“Even as we invoke the Public Health Act, we’re taking seriously matters of confidentiality and ensuring that principles governed in medicine are adhered to.”

Dr. Mwangangi also stated: “Through the National Emergency Response Committee, we’re engaging all our different partners in Kenya and across the world to ensure that we have a good supply of ventilators.”