KAMPALA, March 2 (NNN-NEW VISION) — Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced that four foreigners are being isolated at Entebbe Hospital after presenting symptoms of flu and cough.
A statement by health ministry senior communications officer Emma Ainebyoona said: “They were picked up from Entebbe International Airport after presenting with flu and cough symptoms by our surveillance teams.”
“Samples have been collected and are being tested at UVRI,” he added.
The ministry urged the public to remain calm and follow the provided preventive measures. “There is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country,” Ainebyoona added.
The Ugandan Health Ministry has issued a wide ranging guidelines protecting against the coronavirus.
Among them Ugandans were advised to avoid shaking hands and hugging at all times and to avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneezing).
“When sick with flu-like symptoms, avoid going to public places, offices and public gatherings. Remain at home in isolation to avoid infecting others,” health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said.
“You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sneezing or running nose,” Aceng said.
Aceng added that Uganda had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday and that 10 people who had signs of the disease tested negative.
A total of 695 travellers, including Chinese and Ugandans travelling to Uganda have been isolated for purposes of follow up, the minister said. Of these, 488 are Chinese nationals, while 143 are Ugandans. A total of 280 individuals have completed 14 days of self-isolation. — NNN-NEW VISION
