The Ministry Health has said that all the four foreign nationals under isolation at Entebbe International Airport have tested negative for coronavirus.
“Test results for samples obtained from the four foreign nationals (One French and three Chinese) are Negative of COVID-19,” the ministry’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ainebyoona said on Monday hours after they were picked from by the surveillance teams.
However, the Ministry of Health has asked the public to remain calm and follow preventive measures as there is no confirmed case of Coronavirus.
“Take heart dear. All those isolated and tested are safe. Results negative. Kindly trust our medical teams that are doing their best in circumstances. Whatever is done is in the interest of keeping us all safe. Support their effort,” the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine also tweeted.
On Friday last week, Dr Ruth Jane Aceng the Health Minister said, 695 travellers, Chinese, Ugandans and others have been isolated for follow up. Of these 488 are Chinese nationals, 64 other nationals while 143 are Ugandan citizens. 280 individuals have completed days of self-isolation.
The global death toll from the new coronavirus epidemic surpassed 3,000 on Monday after dozens more died at its epicentre in China and cases soared around the world, with a second fatality on US soil.
In the meantime, the Ministry has developed Dos and Don’ts for the public, that must be followed to avert the virus.
DOs
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub. This will remove the virus if it is in your hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing.
The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and ironed with a hot iron.
Throw away the used tissue immediately into a dustbin or burn it.
Maintain reasonable distance between yourself and someone who is coughing and sneezing. At least one metre apart.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth at all times.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately.
People with flu like signs should use the face masks to cover the nose and mouth and stay home in a well ventilated room.
If you are looking after people with signs and symptoms, you are required to use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth.
DON’Ts
Avoid handshake and hugging at all times.
Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu like symptoms, fever, cough and sneeze.
When sick with flu like symptoms, avoid going to public places, Offices and public gatherings. Remain home in isolation to avoid infecting others.
Don’t take self-medication like antibiotics.
Do not spit in public.
Delay travel to countries that are currently with cases of Coronavirus disease.
If you have flu like symptoms, avoid travel.
Although Uganda has no case of COVID 19, Aceng called on people to remain alert and diligently exercise preventive measures to avoid contracting the disease.
