In The Face Of Covid-19: Here Is Why Kenyans are A Worried Lot

Covid-19 has brought uncertainty about the future and according to a recent survey by Infotrak, Kenyans are worried about the virus that continues to infect and kill people at a higher rate in the country and globally.

On Sunday, Kenya recorded the highest number of Covid-19 at 167 which took the total to 2,727 while the total number of fatalities stood at 84. The number of recoveries also rose to 752 which at least gives some hope to most Kenyans.

Covid-19 cases have risen despite the Government retaining its restriction measures since Kenya has not met three thresholds required for reopening the economy. The thresholds are related to trends in the number of cases, health preparedness, and surveillance capacity in terms of testing.

Most Kenyans are also in full support with the measures put by the Government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus according to Infotrak.

However, rural areas are a real concern as people in the areas especially those aged between 18 and 25 are still taking Covid-19 for granted and think that the virus is not a big deal. This has been attributed to low levels of education and lack of awareness.

42 percent of the respondents argued that lack of awareness will continue to hinder the fight against Covid-19 in the country as people spread the virus unknowingly.

Young people are said to be the most dangerous lot in spreading the Coronavirus as they mostly have asymptomatic cases and this has given some false bravery among the group who tend to take the virus for granted.

Infotrak reveals that about 11 percent of the young group who participated in the survey are no longer scared about Covid-19. This group was however scared in the early days when the virus started spreading in Kenya.

71 percent of the respondents fear that non-adherence to the Government measures will affect the fight against the virus as most people expose others to risks. Nairobi and Nyanza accounted for 82 percent of those very concerned while Residents in the Eastern Region showed little concern about the issue.

64 percent of respondents, especially from Nyanza and Western regions, said that they are extremely worried about covid-19. Infotrak said the number of people in this category rose to 67percent from 50 percent in April.

Areas that are considered Covid-19 hotspots have the highest number of people who are less scared about the virus. Mombasa leads this category followed by North Eastern respondents, then Central and Nairobi residents at third and fourth place respectively.

Kenyans are also worried about food insecurity and unemployment which have been the main issues of concern since the onset of the pandemic.

“About 88 percent of Kenyans are worried that they will not be able to make ends meet should the coronavirus persist, up from 76 percent in April.”

Kenyans are however in support of the Government and health workers who have been working tirelessly to ensure the Covid-19 curve is flattened.