Kakamega County Chief of Staff Dies of COVID-19

Kakamega County chief of staff has succumbed to COVID-19 just a day after Governor Wycliffe Oparanya closed down the county headquarters as 57 health workers tested positive for the virus. Robert Sumbi had been admitted at the County General Hospital for a week.

When he addressed the media on Wednesday, Governor Oparanya said that the county had so far confirmed 316 infections. 7 of these cases had already succumbed, and 155 were in isolation.

Following the rise in the number of cases in the county, the administration has tightened the rope on adherence to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions. Those caught without masks on will face the law, and political or other such gatherings have also been banned. He also asked school administrations to ensure that all school-going learners were wearing their masks.

Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya- Photo: People Daily

Apart from the high numbers, the situation in Kakamega County has been made worse by the fact that the two available isolation centres were full and the county was experiencing a shortage of ICU experts. In light of this, the governor, in his address, encouraged home-based care for those who tested positive. Even though the county had added two isolation centres, Mautuma and Emanyala, the number of infections was still very high.

He also said that fresh sensitization about the virus would begin from the grassroots, co-ordinated by chiefs, sub-chiefs, county government administrators and medical staff; to make sure people receive all available information about the virus and how to prevent its spread.

Featured Image: Kahawa Tungu