Covid19 kills Senior Medical Officer as Uganda’s death toll crosses 40 mark; Lira Hospital Theatre closed

A senior medical officer at Lira Regional Referral Hospital has succumbed to Covid19, as Uganda’s death toll from the viral respiratory disease crossed the 40 mark.

According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH), the senior medical officer died on September 06.

“The Ministry commiserates with the staff of Lira hospital and the entire medical fraternity on this untimely death,” read part of a statement issued Sunday.

At Lira Regional Referral Hospital, four health workers have tested positive for Covid19.

Two of these work in the operating theatre.

“The theatre has since been temporarily closed for disinfection and contact tracing. All other health services remain OPEN to the public with strict adherence to SOPs [Standard Operating Procedures],” MoH said.

The ministry denied reports that it had closed the hospital.

“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains OPEN, contrary to social media reports. However, the hospital has been conducting mass testing for Covid19 among its staff.”

COVID19 DEATH TOLL RISES

Earlier, MoH had confirmed 128 new cases from samples tested on September 05.

The cases were from Kampala (95), Wakiso (13), Luweero (3), Nwoya (02), Amuru (01), Jinja (01), Kanungu (01), Manafwa (01), Maracha (01), Soroti (01), Zombo (01).

Seven health workers from Kampala (02), Lira (02), Wakiso (02), Mityana (01) and one truck driver that came through Elegu border point also tested positive for Covid19.

This brings the cumulative infection toll to 3,667. Ugandan recoveries stand at 1,608.

Two Covid19 deaths were registered in Kampala and Jinja, bringing the total Covid19 fatalities to 41.

Age limit removal crusader Simeo Nsubuga to contest as independent after losing NRM election