Residents of Kwale County are increasingly anxious as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, with fears of transmission from neighboring Tanzania and Mombasa County. Sources within the county, who requested anonymity, have expressed concerns over the lax enforcement of government directives aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. These directives include the cessation of movement, which some county workers providing essential services are reportedly flouting. The sources allege that these workers are permitted to travel in and out of the county, potentially increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
Mombasa County has emerged as a hotspot for COVID-19 infections, leading the country in the number of confirmed cases. This situation has heightened the anxiety among Kwale residents, especially given the continued commuting of county officials between Kwale and Mombasa. "We are worried about the continued commuting of Kwale county officials to and from this county," one source noted, reflecting the community's growing unease.
Adding to the residents' fears is the perceived lack of action from the local administration. A county staff member, whose identity has been withheld, criticized the administration's response since the first case was confirmed in the county. The staff member, along with other officials, alleged that a woman who died the previous night at Kwale Hospital exhibited COVID-19 symptoms but was not attended to. Instead, she was reportedly kept in a hospital store where she later passed away. The woman had traveled from Mombasa County with five relatives, who are now under forced quarantine at the Kwale Kenya Medical Training Centre (KMTC).
The situation has prompted calls for increased security measures. The source revealed that blood samples from the five relatives have been sent to the laboratory for testing. In light of these developments, the source urged the police department to enhance security along all informal routes leading in and out of the county to prevent unauthorized movement that could exacerbate the spread of the virus.
As the community grapples with these challenges, the need for stringent enforcement of health directives and improved response from the local administration remains critical. The residents of Kwale County are looking to their leaders for decisive action to protect them from the looming threat of COVID-19.
