The Ugandan government is exploring the possibility of extending the lockdown by two more weeks after a Cabinet sitting at State House Entebbe this Saturday morning.
Officials who preferred not to disclose their identity told Ugandanz News website that the Ministers together with President Museveni received a detailed briefing on the Coronavirus situation in the country.
“After the briefing, the President was advised by experts to extend the lockdown for 14 days,” said a high ranking source who attended today’s cabinet session.
“The President was informed that the health professionals conducting the rapid assessment tests across the country needed more time to fully appreciate the situation on the ground in terms of COVID-19 transmissions before the economy is fully reopened,” the source added.
It should be recalled that the Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng recently said the assessment exercise would establish the prevalence of COVID-19 among communities in Uganda and that “results from this survey will inform the phased lifting of the lockdown.”
She further said the survey would “evaluate if there is community transmission of COVID-19 in Uganda and establish the extent of community transmission if confirmed.”
Interestingly, the rapid assessment exercise on Friday identified a new COVID-19 case in Masindi, raising fears of possible unknown transmissions in rural communities in Uganda.
However, Cabinet today agreed to lift some restrictions to breathe new life into the economy. These including the reopening of private businesses but public gatherings including weddings will not be allowed.
The President was also advised to not reopen social places including bars, recreational centers and gyms