This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country, Homa Bay County is taking proactive measures to prepare for a potential surge in cases. In line with the presidential directive, the county has embarked on purchasing single crank hospital beds, with a target of at least 300 beds.
According to Governor Cyprian Awiti, the county has so far bought 86 beds in the first phase, along with 10 digital blood pressure machines, 166 cellular blankets, and 14 bedside cabinets. The items will be used in the isolation centers, which are being developed and equipped with a total budget of Ksh 67 million.
Speaking at his office, Governor Awiti stated that the county will spend Ksh 38 million on renovation and Ksh 24 million on purchasing 300 hospital beds, each costing Ksh 80,000. The isolation centers are already identified in each of the seven sub-counties in the region, with a capacity to accommodate a total of 170 beds.
Two COVID-19 patients have so far recovered and been released from the isolation center. The county is taking proactive measures to prepare for a potential surge in cases, with the president directing each county to buy beds in readiness for tackling more COVID-19 patients cases.
On June 6, the president gave a period of between 20 to 30 days for the counties to comply with the directives. Homa Bay County is well within the deadline, having already taken steps to prepare for the potential surge in cases.
