The Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola has implored police officers across the country to ensure they follow the safety guidelines in place, while carrying out their policing duties, amidst the new threats of the Ebola virus.
As of 24.09.2022, the health ministry, registered five new cases thus bringing the cumulative cases to 34 EVD case patients, including 16 confirmed cases and 18 probable cases in addition to 21 cumulative deaths including four confirmed, and 17 probable.
According to the IGP, although the speed of transmission is still slow, Ebola is a contagious disease that can spread fast through any direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person.
As a result, he said all territorial commanders have been tasked to keep on the look for individuals who pose symptoms of high-grade fever, blood stained vomitus, and diarrhoea, loss of appetite, pain while swallowing. He said all police stations and officers have been issued with relevant guidelines to help protect themselves and reduce the livelihood of contracting the virus.
In a statement passing on the IGP’s message, Fred Enanga the police spokesperson said the Director Police Health Services has also been put to task to closely monitor, coordinate and effectively respond, to any emergency situations.
He however, mentioned some of the guidelines in place for all officers to abide to including ensuring proper hygiene through washing and sanitizing hands.
Enanga also tipped they should avoid close physical contact with others, including shaking hands or hugging. He said they should also desist from sharing items including clothes, shoes among others which can carry body fluids.
”Maintain at least a 6 ft distance between your self and anyone who is coughing, sneezing or talking, when possible. This measure on social distance MUST cut a cross all offices, the police counter or reception, police cells and transportation. Promptly disinfect your gear, after physical contact with any individual, keep disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers in an easily accessible place while on duty,” Enanga said.
”Wear a mask if coming into contact with some one who has the EBOLA virus and make sure you properly dispose it off. Educate your self and participate in the training on the proper use of Personal protective Equipment (PPE) for respiratory protection if available. Ensure only trained personnel wearing PPE have contact with individuals who have or may have Ebola. Use of referrals of LCs, elders and other community leaders, for minor cases, to help decongest the cells. Consider sanitizing items you frequently touch like phones, laptop and folders/clipboards.”
In addition, he challenged officers to regularly sanitize the patrol cars and also restrict unnecessary movements to burials, weddings, markets and other congested places.