Uganda: COVID-19 Cases Rise to 198 with 23 New Patients

Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed 23 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 198.

The new cases include 19 truck drivers and 4 contracts to previously confirmed truck drivers.

“19 new cases are truck drivers who arrived via Elegu and Busia while 4 cases are contacts to previously confirmed truck drivers,” the Health Ministry announced.

All contacts who tested positive for COVID-19 were under quarantine at the time of test.

Meanwhile, 38 foreign truck drivers who tested positive for COVID-19 were handed back to their respective countries of origin.

Saturday’s tested samples include 851 at the point of entry; 336 in the communities, bringing the total number to 1,187.

The Director General Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa this week wrote to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Foreign Affairs requesting him to inform all Ugandan Missions abroad that no remains of any Ugandan will be allowed to be flown back home for burial irrespective of the cause of death.

“We therefore advise that repatriation of remains of the deceased be postponed till the situation normalizes and further guidance is provided. I therefore request you to advise all our Missions abroad accordingly,” read the letter from Dr Mwebesa to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary.