The Ministry of Health has held four foreigners in isolation at Entebbe Hospital after presenting symptoms of flu and cough.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Senior Communication Officer, Emmanuel Ainebyona last night, the four yet to be identified individuals were picked up at Entebbe international Airport after presenting symptoms similar to those of the deadly Corona virus and kept in isolation under tight surveillance.
“They were picked up from Entebbe International Airport after presenting with flu and cough symptoms by our surveillance teams,” Ainebyona informed.
He also added that blood samples had been taken from the four and taken for testing at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) pending confirmation of the presence of the disease.“Samples have been collected and are being tested at UVRI,” he further explained.
The ministry urged the public to remain calm and follow the provided preventive measures and also asked for calmness from the public as there were no confirmed cases of an outbreak in the country.
“There is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country,” Ainebyoona added.
On numerous occasions, the public has been advised to exercise preventative measures to gaurd against guard against the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with the most notably one coming from the President while speaking at the Installation ceremony of the New Archbishop of the Church Of Uganda on Sunday as the global death toll goes beyond 2,800 with 82,000 cases confirmed.
This was contained in the wide ranging guidelines issued by the health ministry.
Ugandans have also been advised 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.
The epicentre of the virus is Wuhan, Hubei province in China, where majority of the deaths and infections have occurred.
Aceng cautioned against self-medication by use of antibiotics in case of any symptom related to COVID-19 .
“If you must travel, the protective measures must be adhered to,” she said.
Aceng added that Uganda had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday and that 10 people who had signs of the disease tested negative. In Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria have already reported cases.
The minister said it is pertinent that the population remains on high alert and diligently exercise preventive measures, to avoid contracting the disease.
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.
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