The state minister for health in charge of primary health care Dr Moriku Kaducu has said that in an effort to prevent an imminent threat of covid- 19 virus the government is banning public gatherings organized with no authorization from the ministry.
speaking to journalists in Kampala on Monday, the minister said this condition refers mainly to activities that involve the participation of foreign countries with massive crowds not excluding churches, local gatherings, and events.
This follows a halt by the government on flights arriving into the country from countries that have registered cases of covid -19 virus.
Covid-19 is spreading fast. More than 95,000 people are known to be infected, and more than 3,200 deaths have been recorded worldwide.
Africa has close to 10 countries already infected by the virus including Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Morrocco, Tunisia among others
Kaducu noted that the organizers of such activities must ensure the availability of basic surveillance tools like scanners and alcohol-based sanitizers. She encouraged the people are screened at the entry before mingling with the crowd.
The minister also asked the public to be on high alert and observe preventative measures including no hugs or handshakes, regularly washing hands with soap, cover mouth when sneezing or coughing, proper hygiene and self-quarantine in cases of flu-like symptoms.
Covid 19 presents itself with symptoms including a dry cough, temperature, tiredness, shortness of breath.
Some patients may have “aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea”. “These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.
Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell”.
