The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has reported that Uganda is on high alert in the face of the Corona Virus outbreak that has been reported in several African countries.
In a latest statement released by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Aceng said it is pertinent that Ugandans should remain on high alert, and exercise preventive measures to avoid contracting the disease.
The minister however appealed to the general public to remain calm and vigilant, and always verify information from the ministry to avoid spreading false rumors which may cause unnecessary anxiety.
The report comes a day after parliament directed the ministry of health to formally report to the nation on the preparedness of the country in regard to the disease outbreak that has been already been reported in Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria –All African countries.
In the statement, the Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng said ever since the outbreak was declared in China at the begging of this year, her ministry has undertaken and continue to put in place measures to prevent importation of the virus into the country.
MOH reported that 695 people who traveled back into Uganda including 143 Ugandans are currently under isolation for purposes of follow up, but as of 28th February, 2020 the country has no confirmed case of the virus infection.
As one of the measures, the public has been advised to wash hands frequently with soap, avoid handshaking, hugging, or getting in close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms.
She said screening at entry points including Entebbe Int. Airport, Malaba, Busia, Eregu and Chanika have been strengthened with additional health workers, equipment and infection prevention materials to ensure no importation of the virus into Uganda.
On top of other measures laid out before, organizers of mass gatherings have been directed to ensure that hand-washing facilities or alcohol based sanitizers and temperature screening materials are available at venue entry points.
Persons who develop symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, should immediately seek medical care and if possible, alert health workers about their condition. The public has also been advised to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.