Covid-19 Coverage by the Kakuma News Reflector

By the KANERE Editorial Team

The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (aka COVID-19) has already impacted many countries around the world, especially in China, Iran, Europe and the United States.

In Africa, at least 52 countries have confirmed cases. Over 13,000 people have tested positive, and more than 700 of them have died. Kenya reported its first case in mid-March, and as the virus continues to spread to new counties, refugees in Kakuma are anxious that the virus will eventually reach the camp.

In the coming weeks, the Kakuma News Reflector will make Covid-19 a special focus. The editorial team is working overtime to report on the responses by humanitarian agencies and the government, as well as the ways that communities are dealing with the threat.

KANERE is also taking precautions in its day to day journalistic activities. Face to face interviews are being minimized, and we are relying more on remote technologies such as WhatsApp.

One of our core goals is to increase access to valid information about coronavirus, and to challenge the spread of misinformation. False ideas about the disease are common. Some say the virus is actually harmless to most people, and that the pandemic is fake. Others say that the disease is a death sentence. Both are untrue.

In truth, Covid-19 is similar to influenza, which causes the common flu. Most people who are infected will have only mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all. But for others, the virus can be severe, especially: 1) elderly people, 2) those with weakened immune systems and 3) those who suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes. Overall, the death rate from Covid-19 appears to be much higher than for influenza.

Young people are very unlikely to die from Covid-19 (although in rare cases, they to may succumb). However, for the sake of the elderly and the vulnerable, young people need to take care to practice social distancing. Because youths may not experience symptoms, they may carry and spread the virus without knowing. It is therefore the responsibility of the youth to avoid contact with others, especially those who are at high risk of severe infection.

Responding to the challenge of Coronavirus is everyone’s responsibility. It is important for individuals and communities to practice good hygiene and to wash their hands frequently. Social distancing is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those around you: your parents, your neighbors and your elders.

Happy Easter to all our friends celebrating out there; remember to keep your social distancing, stay home and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Qaabata Boru, Elias Lemma & G. Ibrahim

KANERE’s Editorial Board Team