Don’t travel for Christmas, Health Ministry tells Ugandans as Covid19 cases rise

Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH) permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine has advised Ugandans not to travel for Christmas as a way of preventing the spread of Covid19.

According to Dr Diana Atwine, it would be unsafe for Ugandans to travel to spend Christmas with their families even when coronavirus cases are rising and many people are not sure of their statuses.

Uganda’s cumulative Covid19 caseload stands at 25,730 as of December 09.

Of these, 220 have succumbed to the respiratory disease while 9,605 have fully recovered.

Dr Atwine has now advised that deferring travel would be an indication of how much one loves and values one’s family members.

“As we work to stem the spread of covid19, you are encouraged not to travel for Christmas holidays because you don’t know your status,” said Atwine.

“Protect your loved parents by staying around this festive season.”

Uganda is expected to start trials for a Covid19 drug, immunity boosters and possible vaccine developed by scientists on December 15.

Government has also ordered for nine million doses of the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine.

“Uganda submitted a COVAX application on December 07, 2020 under the GAVI Covax facility where we shall be able to access approximately nine million doses of the vaccine to cover 20% of the population,” a statement from MoH indicated.

“Plans are underway to secure additional doses of the vaccine to cover more people.”