PSVs, SGR Ordered To Carry At Most 60% Passengers In New Directives

The government has announced new rules that will apply to all Public Transport Services including the SGR where a limited number of passengers will be allowed into the vehicles at a time to combat coronavirus spread in the country.

Speaking to the members of the press on Friday, March 20, 2020, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe ordered that any vessel that has a carrying capacity of more than 30 passengers must carry only 60 percent of the actual capacity.

In the new rules, 14-seater Matatus will only be allowed to carry eight passengers per trip to avoid congestion in the vehicles that might fuel the spread of the covid-19.

CS Kagwe said 25 seater matatus should only carry 15 passengers per trip adding that the rules will be effective from Monday, March 20, 2020.

The Health CS also gave directives to all the Supermarkets and Entertainment centers in the country.

All Supermarkets are advised to limit the number of shoppers at a time, manage queues at the premises and also open their stores for 24 hours.

“During operational hours they are to define the maximum number of persons at any given time. The facilities are encouraged to introduce a home delivery service to support this initiative.

“They are to encourage home deliveries. They must also disinfect the facilities several times a day,” CS Kagwe said.

“We encourage them to open on a 24-hour basis. The government will provide security for the personnel.”

All Bars and other social places will be closed at 7.30 p.m. starting on Monday, March 20, 2020, as efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus continue.

These efforts by the Government point to one thing as a way of coronavirus, which is social Distancing.

So what is social distancing in relation to the Fight against covid-19?

If we go by the definitions of the WHO, Wikipedia and experts, social distancing involves efforts (mostly nonpharmaceutical) that are used to control or reduce the spread of a contagious infection which in this case is Coronavirus.

 How to practice social distancing

Social Distancing allows people to continue with their daily activities but at the same time reducing their interactions when they carry out these activities.

According to Dr. Ranj Singh who spoke to Aljazeera exact advice varies, but it does include things like Working from home if possible; traveling only when necessary, especially on public transport or for overseas trips; avoiding social venues like cinemas and clubs; avoiding gatherings of large groups of people; restricting visitors; and, if you do go out in public, maintaining a safe distance from others – usually around two meters.

Social Distancing is mostly encouraged among people with 70 and more years (because they have a weaker immune system) and those with respiratory complications since they are at risk of having severe symptoms in case they get infected.

How is Social Distancing Practiced in various countries around the world?

Countries around the world have applied various measures as they try to avert the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Most Countries discourage public gatherings of more than 50 people as it would provide a proper breeding ground for the spread of the virus.

Major towns and cities in different countries have been put on lockdown, flights to various countries have been suspended and business trips, political trips have all been canceled as the world struggles to contain the deadly virus.

Schools have been closed indefinitely, Sporting events have been canceled or postponed, and businesses and companies have all closed and advised their employees to work from home. All these have been done to reduce or slow down the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other practices encouraged to reduce the spread of Covid19 include: Washing hands frequently with soap or using hand sanitizers, Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, Practice respiratory hygiene, if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and avoid touching surfaces or people with your bare hands.