Social distancing a non-reality?

A select group of recruits who may join the national youth service.

Following our article on social distance last week, a few issues might have been left out. Among them is the question of social distancing being a reality especially in a slum setup. Take for instance Mukuru kwa Reuben that is home to over 350,000 people. Just the thought of this virus landing in one household can cause huge ripple effect to many of the residents.

Most, if not all, members of the kwa Reuben community live in 10’ by 10’. Assuming we use the average number of 4 persons per household, it would be impossible to isolate oneself incase they come in contact with the virus.

Earlier today the 29th of April a recruitment exercise saw a huge crowd of at least 500 people congregate to test their eligibility to join the National Youth Service. The exercise, like many others before, required lining up and lots of push and shove. Many were of course oblivious of the risk and at the time; they cared the least about Covid-19. One would ask why would a government exercise not observe the same rules they impose on civilians with a fine attached to it.

Sure, the recruits were desperate to get a source of employment but aren’t they scared that a case was reported in less than 200 meters from the recruiting grounds? I would say they would rather fight for an opportunity at hand than a disease they have never heard or seen of. My people perish from the lack of knowledge and constant choosing to be ignorant.

Only a handful though made the cut and the rest go back to their homes with their masks, hoping the corona virus took a pause on them as they tried to seek daily bread.

KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE, WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER & ALWAYS USE A FACEMASK TO COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH.

By GB