Photo by Naomi Wandede
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has expressed fear for people living in the islands as they held misguided myths that coronavirus could not reach them.
She said despite the directives issued by the government as a way of preventing the spread the killer virus in the country, they were some people who were still ignorant while some thought the virus was a myth.
The MP called for more public awareness on the prevention of the coronavirus on people l070iving in the islands of Remba, Kibuogi, Rusinga, Mfangano and Takawiri in Homa Bay County.
She said that majority of people living in Lake Victoria islands were not aware of the dangers they were exposed to when they ignored the directives issued by both national and the county governments against the virus.
The government has continuously advised Kenyans to regularly wash the hands with
soap, wear masks, shun handshakes and avoid unnecessary gatherings among other precautionary measures.
Odhiambo was speaking to journalists in Remba Island when she donated food and non-food items to more than 3,000 people affected by the floods caused by increased levels of water in the lake.
“The people living in these islands need more attention in the fight against covid-19. Many people risk contracting the virus and cause deaths should there be an outbreak,” she said.
“The fishermen in the islands don’t know they interact with their colleagues in Uganda and Tanzania where there’s an outbreak of the disease,” she claimed.
Odhiambo said there was need for residents to be taught more on ways of preventing the virus to demystify myths that people living in islands could not contract the virus.
“We are to buy thermo-guns for screening, more sanitizers and other materials to safeguard them from the spread of the disease,” Odhiambo said.
The Legislator said that her office was working closely with the Red Cross department to ensure that people in the islands were not left behind at this time when the government is fighting the killer virus.
“My office is joining hands with Red Cross and well-wishers to conduct sensitization in the islands to prevent possible spread of the virus in the island,” Millie added.
Odhiambo urged the fishermen to reduce travels to the neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania for their fish businesses.
“We want every fisherman to take personal responsibility in the fight of covid-19,” she said.
Homa Bay beach management units Chairman Edward Oremo instructed beach officials ensure all fishermen complied with the health directives.
He further said they have blocked all entry points in to the county used by fishermen to avoid illegal entry into the islands.
“We’re reducing movement in the islands to avoid putting the lives of our people in danger of contacting the covid-19,” Oremo said.
The two covid-19 positive cases reported in Migori County have been attributed to the illegal movement across the border into Tanzania.
