The Kabale district Covid-19 task force under the leadership of RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma has ordered the closure of five non-food markets, following the surge of cases.
Kabanyonyi, Bigaaga, Maziba, Harutinda and Mayengo markets were closed following a decision taken on Thursday during the district taskforce meeting.
According to Nyakahuma, it was realized that the Covid-19 prevalence rate in Kabale now stands at 20 percent rising from 8 percent since June.
He argues that most cases now are registered from sub-counties neighboring Rwanda and markets like Kabanyonyi that attract Rwandan nationals.
The District task force will hold a meeting with the sub-county task force and officer-in-charge of police posts next week, to ensure implementation of the covid-19 guidelines.
Nyakahuma says that locals and traders illegally opened the said markets and flouted the standard operating procedures.
According to Alfred Besigensi Kabale District Health Officer, there are 160 covid-19 patients admitted in various health facilities. He attributes the increase in cases to laxity of security compelling the public to observe guidelines.
Kabale district has lost 98 Covid-19 patients since 2020.