President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has summoned permanent secretaries and under secretaries of key ministries for an emergency national taskforce meeting to discuss ways of dealing with the second Covid19 wave, raising fears that a second lockdown could be looming.
Cases have risen in recent days due to the emergence of the Indian Covid19 strain and other deadlier variants.
Results of COVID-19 tests done on May 24, 2021 confirmed 207 new cases, bringing the cumulative toll to 44,281.
“I can authoritatively tell you that the second wave of COVID-19 is here,” said health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine.
“Our ICUs and HDUs are full, we lost six young people in one week; so, be alert.”
Director general of health services Dr Henry Mwebesa has since warned doctors and nurses on the frontline to be more careful.
“Dear Health Workers, as you are aware, the new COVID-19 cases are increasing daily,” noted Dr Mwebesa.
“I strongly urge you to practice the Infection, Prevention and Control measures and please get vaccinated NOW!”
The health ministry has also been issuing warnings.
“WARNING ⚠️ The number of new COVID-19 cases have increased with a number of people dying. Adhere to the COVID-19 SOPs.🛑 DO NOT BE PART OF THE COVID-19 STATISTIC 🛑,” read such a warning from the ministry.
Now, PS Dr Atwine has informed fellow permanent secretaries from key ministries for a meeting with the president.
No outgoing minister is expected in the meeting since the president dissolved cabinet, and is yet to announce a new one.
The meeting will happen at the Conference Hall in the Office of the President on Thursday, May 27, at 02:30pm.
Dr Atwine said the meeting would discuss “the national response to the current resurgence of Covid19.”
