Uganda: Authorities announce extension to nationwide curfew on June 22 /update 9

Event

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni announced on Monday, 22 June, that the ongoing overnight curfew will remain in place until further notice due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The curfew is in place between 19:00 and 06:30 (local time). Most other existing restrictions will also remain in effect during this time, such as a ban on gatherings of more than five people.

Public transport, including buses, coaches, taxis, and trains were allowed to resume at half capacity as of June 4. However, public transport was not allowed to resume in districts located along border crossings with South Sudan, the DRC, Kenya, and Tanzania. Members of the public have been permitted to use private vehicles, with the president announcing that as of June 22, four people are allowed in a vehicle at one time as long as passengers use face masks. All individuals aged over the age of six must wear a face mask when in public spaces. 

Uganda's borders remain closed since March 21. Authorities have closed all land, water, and air points of entry until further notice, while only cargo and humanitarian flights will be allowed to land in the country.

As of June 22, authorities have confirmed 774 cases of COVID-19 in the country and no associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.