The health ministry has confirmed that sample tests of Coronavirus (COVID-19) that were subjected to the four Chinese nationals that touched ground at Entebbe Airport over the weekend have come out negative.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwiine while issuing a statement this morning explained that the tests were done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute after quarantining them at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital.

She went on to say that to date, of the 11 suspected cases that have so far been isolated at Entebbe Referral Hospital none has tested positive.

The ministry on Friday reported 695 travelers in isolation with 488 being Chinese nationals, 64 non-Ugandans from other countries and 143 Ugandans. At least 280 of them have completed their 14-days of self- isolation.

Atwiine, however, says that the global risk has now been upgraded to very high” meaning the top level of risk evaluation by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng says they will soon set up additional isolation facilities in Kampala to complement besides those available at Entebbe and Naguru Hospital. she said 11 ambulances have been put on standby to transport suspected cases

So far more than 89,000 people across 58 countries have been infected, while the death toll has exceeded 3,000.

According to the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the coronavirus outbreak will have a “substantial” impact on the global economy.

A sharp slowdown in global growth is expected in the first half of 2020 as supply chains and commodities are hit, tourism drops and lower confidence grows.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.