By Fleming Maikula

Coronavirus recovered patients have called on Migori County residents to continue observing the Ministry of Health precautionary measures against the pandemic.

Austine Otieno, who is clinical officer at Kehancha Sub County regrets that Migori residents have relaxed with unsupported claims that Covid-19 does not exist.

Although most Migori coronavirus cases are symptomatic, Otieno appealed to the locals to observe social distance rule, handwashing and use of facemasks, a norm that is disappearing among the residents.

Otieno testified that he contracted the virus while on duty at Ntimaru, Kuria East. He said after learning of his contact with one of the coronavirus positive patients he sought voluntary testing which turned out to be positive.

Otieno who turned Covid-19 negative after spending 21 days at Nyatike Isolation Centre, said the porous Kenya-Tanzania border is to blame for reported virus cases in Kuria East and Kuria West.

He advised mass testing for the residents living at the border as the only way of determining their Covid-19 status which will inform the government on the next action.

“Testing coronavirus positive is not a death sentence. I’m now negative and so many other positive cases are turning negative after following the ministry of health requirements,” Otieno advised.

So far, the county has recorded 116 positive cases with health practitioners not being spared either.

He was the second health worker to test Covid 19 positive in Migori County, a situation that sent panic among health workers.

Otieno however appealed to the County government to improve safety of health workers as failing to do this exposes them to more likelihood of contacting Covid19 virus. He suggested adequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment among health workers while handling patients.

“Enough safety materials for the health workers is key to minimize their chances of risking their life while on duty,” he said.

According to Otieno,the health workers found to be Covid19 positive on line of duty should not be taken to the normal isolation centres but instead treated privately since they sacrifice a lot to save lives.