The rate of new infections of COVID-19 is likely increase in the months of June and July due to cold weather being experienced in many parts of the country.
Health expert, Bernard Muia told KNA that infections of coronavirus, being a respiratory track disease, may go up now that many people have abandoned health protocols aimed to contain it.
Muia observed that the current infection rate of 7.7 percent given by the Ministry of Health on June 12, may not be all-encompassing since testing rate of the disease has gone down.
He observed that the sample of those tested is biased because those screened are only those who have showed signs and symptoms of coronavirus and gone for testing, despite the fact that some with minor symptoms are freely associating with others.
“People have forgotten about health protocols aimed to control the spread of coronavirus. Very few wear masks. No social distance especially now that campaigning period is at its peak. But every individual has a responsibility to take personal initiative and avoid being infected,”
Muia, who is also the head of the Murang’a Municipal Board’s Department of Health, added that, in the coming two months, in addition to the cold weather, greater political campaigns may result in increased illnesses due to increased interactions and congestion during campaign rallies.
On June 12, Murang’a County recorded eight new cases of covid-19, with four reported in Mathioya Sub County, two in Kangema Sub County, and the remaining two in Kandara Sub County.
According to Muia, the latest instances were recorded in areas of Murang’a that undergo extreme cold weather.
“I urge the elderly to stay warm and in well-ventilated homes, and to seek medical assistance if they develop flu-like symptoms,” he added.
Meanwhile, Muia encouraged the Ministry of Health to increase immunization against covid-19, claiming that the number of persons vaccinated remains low and that some people have given up on the activity.
