17 Ugandan Truck Drivers among 43 new COVID-19 Cases as Infections Shoot to 203

The Ministry of Health has confirmed 43 new COVID-19 cases in Uganda bringing the total number of cases in the country to 203.

This is the highest number of Coronavirus cases to be recorded in a single day in Uganda since the outbreak of the pandemic this year.

The new cases were confirmed from 1,838 samples of truck drivers.

“Today, 15th May 2020, 43 new COVID-19 cases confirmed from 1,838 samples of truck drivers. The total number of COVID-19 cases now is 203,” the Ministry of Health announced.

The new cases arrived in Uganda via different border points.

Elegu: 15 Ugandans, 9 Kenyans and 4 Eritreans.

 

Mutukula: 5 Tanzanians and 1 Burundian.

 

Malaba: 5 Kenyans, 2 Ugandans and 1 Burundian.

1 case had it’s nationality unknown.

Meanwhile, all 720 samples from the community tested negative for COVID-19.

A total of 2,558 samples were tested for COVID-19 on Friday.

Currently, Uganda has 203 COVID-19 confirmed cases, 63 recoveries and no fatalities.

On Friday, the Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and the Minister of State for Health in charge of general duties Robbinah Nabbanja commissioned the first port health laboratory in Uganda.

It’s a gene expert laboratory with 2 machines and capacity to run 64 samples per hour.

“All truck drivers arriving via Mutukula point of entry will be tested for COVID-19 and results given within 45 minutes. If you are found positive, you cannot proceed with your journey. If you are negative, you are released,” the Health Ministry announced on Friday.