By Fred Kiva
President Yoweri Museveni has warned the people against public transport, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
Addressing the country following confirmation of the first Coronavirus case, the President noted that public transport now remains the possible key loophole in spreading the virus disease, following last week’s closure of schools, religious and other social gatherings. “For now if you don’t have your own car, motorcycle or any other private transport means please stay home, postpone that business,” Museveni advised.
He urged the public transport operators to be cautious and don’t allow anyone with flu and cough on their vehicles and should also have temperature monitors at the vehicle entrances. The President, however, expressed optimism that Covid-19 will be defeated in Uganda once people take precaution.
“It’s easy to defeat coronavirus just like we did with Hiv/aids, measles and polio which were killing Ugandans. It’s easy to defeat if we are serious because it spreads through sneezing and coughing near other people (three meters distance required),” Museveni emphasized.
He called on school children that are now off school following last week’s closure to stay home and avoid loitering in villages. Ministry of Health on Saturday evening confirmed the first COVID-19 case. The victim, a 36-year-old Ugandan man had arrived in the country from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airlines. He presented with high fever and poor appetite and has since been isolated at Entebbe Grade B Hospital.
Meanwhile quoting the health officials, President Museveni said it’s likely the patient picked the disease from Dubai since none of his family members in Uganda has been found sick. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng reveals that 84 passengers were on the same plane with the patient,
“We have their information and if we call on you please make yourselves available,” she said. The Minister called on the district authorities to step up effort in fighting this outbreak.
