This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Published on July 6, 2020, Nairobi — The effectiveness of sanitization booths installed across the country in the fight against COVID-19 has been called into question by Kenya's Acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth.
Speaking during a recent briefing on the pandemic's status in the country, Amoth stated that the booths pose a significant health risk to the public, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
"When using chemicals like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide in those booths, individuals with asthma can experience severe respiratory attacks, potentially leading to respiratory failure and even death," Amoth warned.
He also highlighted the potential for skin irritation and eye irritation caused by the chemicals used in the booths.
Amoth's remarks come months after several government departments, including the police and transport ministries, sanctioned the installation of the booths in public spaces, such as railway terminals and police stations.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia had directed Kenya Railways to install disinfectant tunnels in all their stations in April, citing their ability to produce modern and automated machines with sensors to sanitize passengers.
However, Amoth clarified that the booths do not hinder the spread of the virus, which is primarily transmitted through droplets.
As a result, the government has advised county governments to dismantle the disinfection booths installed in various public spaces, citing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) advice that the booths do not add any value in the fight against COVID-19.
