Uganda has no confirmed case of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the ministry of health insists.
The outbreak was first confirmed in China on 31st December 2019. The virus has since spread to all continents and over 47 countries, while many others are confirming the cases every passing day.
This morning in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus (Covid-19) case in Lagos State Nigeria. The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China.
While addressing the media in Kampala this morning, the health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng said that Uganda has no confirmed case and that to date, 695 travelers of Chinese and Ugandan origin among other nationalities traveling back home have been isolated for purposes of follow-up.
“Of these, 488 are Chinese, 64 other nationals and 143 Ugandans. 280 individuals have completed 14 days of self-isolation” the minister noted.
According to Dr. Aceng, the ministry has enhanced surveillance measures for all travelers from COVID-19 affected countries, developed information materials for educating the public on the disease, the Uganda Virus Research Institute has the necessary equipment and reagents to test and confirm any suspected COVID-19 sample in the country.
Uganda has so far had 10 cases that presented with the symptoms but were all negative. Now, the ministry says screening at Entebbe International Airport and other entry points of entry like Malaba, Busia, Kyanika and Elegu among others have been strengthened with deployment of additional health workers, equipment and infection prevention materials.
The ministry also advises travelers from affected countries to self-isolate for 14 days and that her ministry monitors them on daily. Naguru and Entebbe Referral hospitals have been prepared to receive and manage any suspected cases, while isolation facilities are being set up at other referral hospitals to receive any suspected cases.
Members of the public are encouraged to wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub as this removes the virus if it is on the hands. Also, people should avoid handshakes and hugs.
