Five (5) new COVID-19 cases confirmed from 1,498 samples of truck drivers. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases to 121 in Uganda. The new cases are: 2 Ugandan and 3 Kenyan truck drivers who arrived via Elegu and Malaba Points of Entry. All 341 community samples tested negative for COVID-19. Total samples tested today at UVRI was 1,839. The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in Uganda is 55. Uganda has NOT registered any COVID-19 related death, to date.
The International Health Regulations (IHR) requires that every case that is tested and confirmed for a particular disease should be registered as the host country’s case. Therefore, Uganda will capture all COVID-19 foreigners as her confirmed cases, bringing the total to 121 cases for Uganda.
The laboratory teams from Ministry of Health Uganda and CPHL Uganda have today set up tents at the Mutukula and Malaba border points to test for COVID-19 starting this week as a pilot. This is aimed at addressing the risk of transmitting the disease by the cargo truck drivers. Results will be readily available at those boarder points in just few hours. The truck drivers at the two points will have ready results before they proceed with their journey.
Remember to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, continue to follow WHO guidelines on social distancing, keep at least 4 meters from the individual nearest to you.
We will keep you informed of any updates in the national and WHO guidelines as and when they arise.
Stay home, Stay safe, Save lives!