This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On July 5, 2020, Garissa County government announced a partnership with UNICEF to strengthen its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move comes as Kenya struggles to contain the spread of the virus, with Garissa County recording 31 confirmed cases.
Garissa County Director of Health, Abdullahi Daud, emphasized the importance of community sensitization in preventing the spread of the virus.
As part of the partnership, UNICEF will support the distribution of hand-washing equipment in health facilities and high-risk areas, such as markets in Garissa Sub County.
Eleven out of the 31 cases detected in the county were found in Garissa town, while 20 cases were detected at refugee camps among new arrivals from Somalia.
"We are concerned that those escaping from counties where the government has imposed cessation of movement are bringing in the virus," Daud said.
He urged security agencies to be vigilant and prevent suspicious individuals from entering the county.
Residents are also being urged to report any suspicious cases to the authorities and to observe social distancing, wear face masks, and practice sanitizing.
By taking these measures, the county aims to flatten the curve and ease restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
