The government of Uganda will be halting the repatriation of Ugandans from broad starting August 25th, 2020 in an effort to minimize congestion in the quarantine centres.
This comes as Uganda continues to register high numbers of COVID-19 cases from both within and others who are coming in through the repatriation flights.
Government has continued to warn the public against the growing public laxity in complying with the guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
While addressing journalists in Kampala, the minister of ICT and National Guidance, Judith Nabakooba said so far a total of 2,970 Ugandans have been returned home from different parts of the world. “The process is ongoing until the 25th of August when government will take another short break to de-congest quarantine centers because these people are supposed to be quarantined at designated centres so if they are filled the organisers need to have a break, “she said.
She noted Ugandans should be aware that the country is entering a critical stage in its fight against COVID -19.”I want to inform the country that we can still avoid this unfortunate state of affairs if we decide to obey the guidelines including seeking early medical assistance in case of any symptoms,”she said.
Nabakooba also noted that the rise in numbers in Kampala and Wakiso are also worrying. “I want members of the public especially those in Kampala and Wakiso to understand the seriousness of what is happening. Between the week of 28th July to 3rd August, Kampala registered 23 cases of COVID-19,”she said.
She therefore called upon all residents and those doing business in Kampala and Wakiso to take these developments seriously.
“If what is taking you to Kampala on a daily basis is not important, please stay at home. You can choose to do your shopping from your neighborhood or conduct your business via the phone. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep safe from COVID-19,”she said.
Apart from Kampala, Nabakooba said the Ministry of Health has also noted a number of new high risk areas with new transmissions.
These include areas such as Masaka, Buikwe, Namisindwa and Adjumani are now registering many new cases. Other high risk places coming up include markets and landing sites.
Nabakooba also warned some operators who are using the Megaphones to incite violence and use of derogatory language. “Police is being called upon to monitor these megaphones.Uganda Communications Commission will also issue guidelines to regulate the use of megaphones in the community,”she said.
