Uganda's COVID-19 Cases Rise to 489 as Public Transport is set to Resume

As the government continues to ease the Covid-19 lockdown, the ministry of health has confirmed 32 new cases of COVID-19, pushing the national tally to 489.

On behalf of the director-general health services, Doctor Charles Olaro says the cases are all Ugandans.

19 of the cases are from the 1693 samples from points of entry while 13 are from 423 samples of contacts and alerts.

Additionally 25 foreign truck drivers 9 Tanzanians, 12 Kenyans, an Eritrean, a Congolese and another truck driver whose nationality has not been captured tested positive for COVID-19 and have since been handed to their respective countries of origin.

Dr Olaro adds that all 106 samples of health workers tested turned out negative for the virus.

Currently, there are 391 admitted cases in 15 referral hospitals in the country.

According to the ministry of health, all patients are in stable condition and the transfer of 19 patients to treatment centers is underway.

Uganda has 79 recoveries and no deaths.

Meanwhile, President Museveni has pegged the easing of the lockdown on the compulsory wearing of face masks by all Ugandans above six years.

The government was supposed to supply masks in two weeks by June 4th. However, companies to make these masks were recently given a go-ahead to manufacture them.

In his address last night, President Museveni said since the masks are not enough for all Ugandans, distribution will start from key groups especially border districts.

He has however urged people to stay at home and avoid going into public places if they do have a mask.