President Yoweri Museveni will today at 4pm adress the nation following a confirmed coronavirus case in Uganda.
“In light of confirmation of a COVID-19 case in Uganda, I will today, at 4pm, address the country on what more we should do to curb the possible spread of this disease. Thank you,” Museveni said on his official social media platforms.
The East African country on Saturday confirmed its first coronavirus case.
The development was confirmed by Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
“The ministry of health would like to confirm her first coronavirus case of a 36 year old Uganda male who arrived from Dubai,” Dr Aceng told journalists.
“He was screened on his arrival at Entebbe Airport where his body temperature was high. He was subsequently isolated and he is currently at Entebbe Grade B hospital.”
The minister further disclosed that the patient remains in a stable condition but has a fever.
The 36 year old is a resident of Kibuli, Kakungulu zone in Kampala city.
Earlier that day, the President had announced suspension of all commercial flights effective March 22, 2020 at midnight.
Museveni also closed all border entry points, saying only 3 cargo crew will be allowed in the country.
Those entering the country in buses, boda bodas, on foot are not be allowed whether they are Ugandan nationals or otherwise.
“No passenger planes will be allowed to land in Uganda or leave. Only cargo planes and their crew members will be allowed in the country. Meanwhile, those sneezing should keep away from the public,” the President said while delivering additional measures on protecting Ugandans against the coronavirus pandemic.
During his national address on Wednesday, Museveni passed a directive banning several activities as a stringent measure to control the spread of the virus in the country.
The directives were: Schools to be closed starting Friday for a month, banning religious/public gatherings for a month, Political and Cultural meetings were also banned, No more Travels to or from affected countries.
Wedding Ceremonies that gather lots of people were also banned. Burials are to be done by immediate relatives, no more gatherings in markets. No more travelling unless it’s necessary especially if using public transport and clubs, bars, concerts, cinemas, were also banned for a month.
Coronavirus has multiplied in Africa more slowly than in Asia or Europe, but 36 nations on the continent have now reported a total of more than 700 cases.Worldwide, it has infected more than 227,000 people and killed more than 9,000.