THE REPUBLIC OF

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS STATEMENT

Update on the outbreak of COVlD.lg in Uganda

Dr Henry G. MweUesa

Director General Health Services

25th March,2020 P Undate on the COVID-19 outbreak in Ueanda

Kampala- 2Sth March- 2020- The Ministry of Health has received several concerns from the general public about the challenges with our call center. Following the declaration of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uganda, our toll free lines have been heavily congested and most callers are not able to get quick assistance. I We acknowledge this concern and working with our partners; MTN, Airtel, Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFUJ, Mariestopes and NITA-U), we have increased the capacity of our call center to handle more calls at the same time effective this evening, today. The mrmber of call center agents have been increased from 20 to 100 and will continue to work in shifts for 24 hours every day. We would like to reiterate that the public is encouraged to call the Ministry of Health on 0800-100-066, 0800-203-033 or 0800- 303-033 to enable our surveillance teams assist you.

Following oBr appeal to all individuals who travelled from Dubai in the past 2 weeks, a total of 57 4 individuals have been listed countrywide. The Ministry is in possession of all the passenger details from the respective airlines. We have so far screened 60 travelers at National Specialized Hospital. We further direct all persons who travelled from Dubai in the past 2 weeks to come to Ward 2A at Mulago National Specialized Hospital (New MulagoJ for assessment.

As of today, 25 March 202A, there are 5 new confirmed cases for COVID-19 bringing the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country to L4. The 5 new confirmed cases include: 1. A 63 year old Ugandan male, resident of Najjanankumbi who travelled from Germany and is currently under quarantine. He presented with high fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. A sample was taken for testing which turned positive. , 2. A57 year old Ugandan male, resident and businessman in salt trade in Adjumani. $e presented with sore throat, difficulty in breathing, cough and flu. He is admitted at Adjumani General Hospital. A sample was taken for testing at UVRI which turned positive.

3, An B-month old baby, a Ugandan, a resident of Iganga whose father travelled from Kisumu, Kenya. The baby presented with flu and difficulty in breathing. The baby is currently admitted at Iganga Hospital 4. Two Chinese who travelled from Guangzhou and Linyago currently under quarantine. These were part of the 6 Chinese who tried to cross to DRC via Zombo District. Samples were taken from all the 6 for testing and2 turned positive.

2 All the previously confirmed 9 cases are in stable condition and feeding well in Grade B Hospital.

To date, a total of 2,661travelers including Ugandans identified as potential risk have been either under self-quarantine or institutional quarantine. 0f these, 1,230 are under follow up; 7 64 of these are under institutional quarantine while 466 are under self-quarantine. A total of 1,,43! high risk travelers have completed their 14 days of follow up and have been issued with certificates of completion of the mandatory quarantine.

The Ministry of Health has developed a list of District Health Officers and district surveillance focal persons and the public is urged to report alerts to their respective district officials for further action. The district task forces have been reactivated to respond to the alerts arising from the districts.

I would like to appeal to the general public to cooperate with the measures being taken by Government to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. In the same vein, we continue to appeal to the general public to remain calm and practice the preventive measures. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub always, maintain a social distance of at least 2 meters and if you have flu like symptoms, cover your nose and mouth with a mask, calmly isolate yourself and call the Ministry of Health toll free lines on 0800-100 -066,0800-203-033 or 0800-303-033.

The Ministry of Health would like to encourage the general public to always verify information from the Ministry to avoid spreading false rumors which may cause unnecessary anxiety. Daily updates will also be uploaded on the information portal on https://covid19.gou.go.ug or the Ministry of Health website- www.health.go.ug

Thank yo

r. Henry G. Mwebesa

DIRECTOR GENERAT HEALTH SERVICES

2Sth March,2020

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