LOCKDOWNS UP, WHAT’S NEXT?
President Uhuru Kenyatta in an address on the 6th announced the lifting of partial lockdown imposed months back. The cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera counties will be lifted effective 4.00 a.m July 7. The night-time curfew however remains in place for a further 30 days. Places of worship have also been allowed to reopen under strict conditions. For example, only 100 congregants will be allowed to worship in church for a maximum of one hour. Sunday schools and Islamic schools — madrasas — will remain closed.
The move on Monday in my opinion, came as pressure mounts to kick-start the country’s ailing economy after four months of coronavirus restrictions which have devastated key industries. To many, it was about time. The inter-county lockdown had not only crippled the economy but also strained relations as most families had been separated because of it.
“May the best immune system win.”This is what I heard on my end. With Covid-19 cases in Kenya at 10,105, the right move, in my opinion, would be to effect strict lockdown measures. But what would this mean to the economy and the thousands of Kenyans who have either been laid off or are on unpaid leave? Lifting the inter-county lockdown will not only allow for easier transportation of people but also goods. This move is a baby step towards getting things back to normal. It is a taste of the waters. It will show us whether or not we as a country are ready or not. My only worry is that when it comes to health, we cannot afford to taste the waters, we cannot allow ourselves to play peek a boo because the virus has proved that it has the capacity to spread exponentially taking down victims with it. Such cases have been seen in Italy a country with better healthcare systems than ours.
With the lockdown being lifted, and Kenyans travelling to upcountry, there's the risk of spreading the infection to other members of the society especially the older generation who mostly reside in the said area. The move might have been good to the economy but when it comes to our health as a nation, we are crossing our fingers.