Uganda will not allow Covid-19 threat from the neighbouring Tanzania and Kenya spill over into the country.

Tanzania’s 53 cases in a single day to take their toll to 147, required a response. Indeed, the ministry of health led by the nation’s sweetheart Dr. Ruth Jane Aceng stepped up to brief the nation on fresh measures.

Dr. Aceng who assembled a group of scientists before the nation assured the population that her team is aware of the neighbouring threat.

She recalled: “As of today, Uganda has a cumulative number of 55 confirmed cases. Of these, 20 have recovered while 35 are active cases. Please note that this is a cumulative number comprising recoveries.”

On the situation of the medical staff treating the patients, Dr. Aceng pointed out: “All staff taking care of Corona virus patients at Entebbe Grade B hospital tested negative. An indication that they’re seriously following the safety measures.”

She added: “All contacts to the confirmed cases are followed up daily for 14 days by our officers. If they develop symptoms, they are tested and those found positive subjected to treatment.”

On the arrivals from risky nations, the minister, revealed: “Over 8000 high risk travellers have been identified, tested and cleared.”

She went on: “Since the pandemic was reported, a total of 2,878 samples from truck drivers have been tested. Of these, three truck drivers tested positive. They included a Ugandan, Kenyan and Tanzanian.”

On the 21 day lock down, Dr Aceng explained: “Purpose of lock down is to suppress transmission and reduce the number of people undetected and ensure each confirmed case infects less than one person.”

She also revealed the plan for the borders: “We are training more health workers to be put at the borders. There are 53 points of entry and an average of 2,500 trucks cross daily. Over 2,000 samples of truck drivers have been tested.”

Dr. Aceng said: “Cargo drivers are transporting critical supplies that could save lives both in Uganda and across the borders. We also let them go so as to avoid crowding.”

She warned women: “I appeal to you who live along the highways, including women who socialise with them in whatever way, to stay away from truck drivers. Let them do their work without social contact.”

Dr. Aceng also confirmed: “2 mobile PCR laboratories have been procured and will be received in the country tomorrow, Sunday 19th April and officially commissioned by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.”

She also clarified on medics allowances: “Ministry of Health regrets the delay in payment of allowances to health workers at the frontline of COVID-19. We are going to make sure that these individuals benefit from the donations to the COVID-19 response.”