The President of the Republic, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has on Tuesday extended the lockdown period for another 3 weeks after South Africa and Nigeria extending their lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus. According to the President, the lockdown period will start tomorrow's April 15, to May 05, 2020.
He made the statement on Tuesday afternoon while addressing the state on the status of coronavirus pandemic measures in Uganda.
"The government has decided to keep the stay home decision for another 3 weeks starting tomorrow April 15 tomorrow to May 05, 2020. This is meant to allow us to study the situation longer. All previous measures still stand," President Museveni said.
The President pointed out that although only 54 samples have tested positive out of the total 5,664 samples tested, it is too early to rule that nation is not free from the deadly virus.
"It is safer to go another 21 days than to stop early. If there is anything it will come up during these 21 days. If it does not come up, we will say we tried our best. The 54 found positive might not be the only ones. The way they were found was tedious, so the lockdown extension is justified so we can find more and treat them," he said.
The President declared that out 5,664 samples tested, 4,015 were returnees from abroad, 1,232 were contacts of these returnees, while 417 were those who felt suspicious that they could be sick.
“We are still following up the 18,000 people that entered the country through the airport between March 7 and March 22. I would like to appeal to Ugandans to observe the prohibitions already announced, stay at home except for those carrying cargo. Stop going into the trading centres to loiter,” Mr
Museveni said.
He also elaborated that food relief is only for the groups of people depending on daily earnings mainly living in urban centres.
“On the issues of food support, it’s mainly for the groups depending on daily earnings. People in salons, bars, night clubs, garages, boda boda riders and people selling non-food items in markets among others. People in the village have been growing their food, coronavirus has not stopped farming,” the President noted.
He applauded the medical doctor and health workers for the good job done which saw seven Covid-19 patients discharged after recovering, as 11 others wait to be discharged this week.
“I salute the doctors and health workers for their professionalism. I am told some have not yet got stickers for their vehicles. Gen Katumba will resolve that.”
Uganda has become the third country to extend its lockdown after South Africa and Nigeria extending their lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
