By Andrew Irumba
State House, Entebbe: President Yoweri Museveni has directed the closure of all primary and secondary schools, universities and tertiary institutions for 32 days, as one of the measures of preventing the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, because such institutions are high concentration points for people.
The President revealed the directive during his State of the Nation address about the Coronavirus pandemic.
Museveni revealed that one of ways of preventing the spread of the pandemic was to close all points where there is massive concentration of people.
Apart from closing schools therefore, President Museveni also announced the closure of all churches, mosques and all other places of worship for 32 days, giving the clergy an option of using radio and TV stations to conduct prayer services and sermons.
He also banned weddings that bring together a Pentagon of groups like clan members of the groom, the clan side of the bride, maternal clans of the couple, friends, neighbours, school alumni, among others, for 32 days, since they may expose people to risks of infection.
Talking about funerals, the President said that We cannot suspend burial for 32 days. That would be illogical. However, burial shall be done by the relatives who are nearby. The mourning shall be done later.”
He added however that “If the deceased is suspected of having died of Coronavirus, the state shall take over burial from the family and follow necessary safety procedures.”
Museveni notes that although Cabinet was yet to roll out a program for government offices and public institutions, other high concentration points like factories, hotels, plantations, taxi parks, plantations, markets, can continue operating, although have to follow regulations from the Ministry of Health.
These include vigilance, following Standard Operation Procedures and not admitting anyone who exhibits signs of infection like coughing, sneezing , bleeding, high temperature, among others.
Museveni concluded pronouncing a ban on Ugandans and travellers from Category One countries like Italy, China, Iran, Japan, German, France, South Korea, Thailand, among others, saying that they are high risk COVID-19 centres.
He however advised other Ugandans and foreigners travelling from low risk countries to be ready to pay for the mandatory 14 Day Quarantine at the designated isolation center.
He advised those who can’t pay for their Quarantine Costs not to dare travel to Uganda but stay in the affected countries.
