This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On May 9, 2020, Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata toured the Swahilipot area in Old Town, Mombasa, where he urged residents to respect the government's lockdown measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
According to Elungata, the 15-day restrictions announced by the Ministry of Health are meant to stop the further spread of the pandemic, not as a communal punishment.
He warned that police will deal firmly with individuals who are determined to flout the health rules.
Elungata also advised residents to avoid leaving their homes unless it was necessary to do so, noting that essential service providers will be operating.
Speaking at the event, Mombasa Red Cross chairman Mahmoud Noor appealed to residents to follow the public health directives.
Noor emphasized that the quarantine and lockdown measures are temporary steps to contain the virus, which needs the support of everyone to bear fruit.
He also clarified that living conditions in the coronavirus quarantine centres are not as bad as is being depicted in social media.
Additionally, Noor stated that the Mombasa County Government is paying for the bills incurred during the 14-day quarantine periods.
