CORONA VIRUS: Uganda Closes Churches and Schools for One Month

“We are prepared as a Country. We have enough isolation centers and equipment, in case of any outbreak,” said President Museveni.

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the closure of schools and suspended religious gatherings across the country in attempt to prevent the spread of Coronavirus [COVID19].

Although there has not been any confirmed case of Coronavirus as of today [18th March, 2020], the President directed for the closure of all primary and secondary schools, University and other institutions by Friday, March 20, 2020 at midday, for one month.

“It is wise that we temporary remove these concentration points to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. All these institutions, without exception should close so that we deny this virus high concentration. We don’t want the virus to find dry grass ready for ignition,” President Museveni said.

According to the President, religious gatherings should also be suspended for one month with immediate effect.

“In the interest of our health, this should be suspended for a month with immediate effect,” he said.

Public rallies and cultural meetings have also been suspended for 32 days.

Mr. Museveni also banned Ugandans from traveling to high risk countries. He said returning Ugandans will be quarantined at their cost.

“All out bound movements of all Ugandans going to or through Italy, France, South Korea, China, UK, USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway, Malaysia, Pakistan, San Marino, Austria, Netherlands has been banned for 32 days,” he said.

Burials

For the case of burials, President Museveni advises that in case of demise, burials should be attended by only relatives near the person who has died.

Public Transport

The president has also cautioned Citizens against use of public means for transport such as use of buses and taxis.

He has further advised for strong health measures to be obeyed by the public means operators such as making hand washing a priority and avoid putting sick-looking people on board.

“Do not travel using public means if it is not very necessary,” said the president.

Merry making

In an effort to prevent the probable spread of the virus, Uganda has suspended gatherings for parties, disco clubs, sports among other events for the next 32 days.

The president also notes that in case someone experiences cough and flue, it is necessary for that person to stay at home.

In his address to the nation on Wednesday 18th March, 2020 at State House Entebbe, the President reminded Ugandans that the country is prepared in case of any COVID19 case recorded.

“We are prepared as a Country. We have enough isolation centers and equipment, in case of any outbreak,” said President Museveni.

Corona Virus has claimed more than 7,000 people worldwide, including over 2,100 in Italy, and the worst-hit country outside China. So far, more than 180,000 cases have been recorded in 145 countries.

Uganda has no case of Coronavirus, although all her neighbors of Kenya, Rwanda, and DRC have confirmed cases in the past week.

Tanzania and Somalia on Monday became the latest East Africa countries to confirm their first cases of Coronavirus, as neighboring countries shuttered borders and schools as fears of contagion rose.

As the global pandemic takes root in Africa, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma announced he was donating 20,000 testing kits, 100,000 masks and 1,000 protective suits to each of the continent’s 54 countries.