COVID-19 restrictions return as Museveni directs on use of masks in enclosed and at public gatherings
To date, there are a total of 170, 694 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3, 632 deaths with an average of 50 cases recorded per week.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Friday night reinstated the use of masks by all individuals in enclosed places and at public gatherings.
It should be noted that on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng gave a green light to fully vaccinated individuals not to wear face masks while in public spaces.
However, during his televised address last night, Museveni said the National Task Force reviewed the current COVID-19 situation and recommended the use of masks in public spaces.
“A certificate of vaccination with evidence of up-to-date boosting is a requirement for entry into formal meetings and public places,” the president said.
“Where there is no up-to-date vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test within 24 hours is required,” added the president while citing new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Other measures recommended to president Museveni by the Task Force, include:
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required to access offices at all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and private offices.
- The elderly of 50 years and above and those living with comorbidities are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted at least every 6 months.
- Individuals with symptoms of Coronavirus should not go to closed or crowded places.
- Handshaking and hugging remain prohibited.
- All eligible Ugandans should get vaccinated and boosted at least every 6 months.
Referring to vaccination of the disease, the president noted that he has directed the Ministry of Health to re-launch the vaccination exercise and ensure more people are vaccinated especially the elderly, those with comorbidities and children aged 12-17years.
According to the ministry of health, Uganda has so far received a total of 48, 897, 520 doses of COVID-19 vaccines through donations and procurement by the government. Of these, 26, 281, 566 doses have been administered to the population and 22, 615, 954 doses are still in National Medical Stores.
To date, 59% of the population of 18 years and above has received at least 2 doses of the vaccine while only 6% of the children aged between 1 – 217 years have received 2 doses of the vaccine.
However, Museveni was disappointed that this coverage is below the target of 28.5 million eligible Ugandans (22 million adults and 6.5 million children) who are up to date with their vaccination against COVID-19.
To date, there are a total of 170, 694 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3, 632 deaths with an average of 50 cases recorded per week.
