By Mukembo wilfred
The President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has on Friday issued new COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
In a televised address, Museveni opened some sectors of the economy whereas others have been kept in lockdown.
President Museveni said officials from National Planing Authourity and scientists gave him and the National Covid task team three options to choose from thats : full opening up, continuation of full lockdown and partial opening up.
“if we fully open up, we would have about 5,000 cases per week, sending us into a third wave.
No opening up would cut down the number of cases to 30 per day but has a negative impact on the economy.
Partial opening will bring number of new cases to 309 but in the third week will reduce to 66 ” said president Museveni
Its on the above note that president Museveni directed as follows below.
Therefore “Curfew time is maintained at 7pm up to 5:30am. All persons except security personnel and those authorized to move should be in their homes.
2. Boda bodas are now allowed to carry only 1 passeger at a time and curfew remains at 6pm for them. They must observe strict SOPs.
3 . Kikubo to open under conditions, 1. All kiosks should be removed 2. Roadside vending is banned and relocated 3. Only wholesale trade is allowed 4. All agencies to ensure compliance.
4 . Manufacturers should open up centres upcountry. Traders must revert to ecommerce. Arcades must follow conditions – clear corridors, adequate ventilation, CCTV cameras, proper hygiene and registration of staff and traders.
5. Arcades, malls and other business centres reopened but must adhere to SOPs. Burials and weddings still restricted to 20 people until more vaccination. Places of worship still closed for 60 days. Max of 10 religious leaders allowed to lead virtual prayers.
6. Burials, weddings and other marriage ceremonies restricted to 20 people under strict observance of SOPs.
7. Bars and places of worship to remain closed.
8. Sports should continue without spectators. Outdoor sports activities are allowed with masks on. Gyms remain closed. Betting and casinos remain closed.
9. Shopping malls and arcades should be opened with dedicated entry and exit, SOPs should be maintained, and failure to comply will lead to closure.
10 . Virtual prayers should be maintained, led by not more than 10 people and will be reviewed after 60 days.
11. Sports should continue without spectators. Outdoor sports activities are allowed with masks on. Gyms remain closed. Betting and casinos remain closed.
12. Comedians and musicians advised to perform virtually.
13. Saunas should remain closed. If you want one, do it in your house.
14 . Schools remain closed. Learning should continue virtually.
15. 20% of office workers should be allowed to work.
16 . Private vehicles are allowed to cross district borders with only three people.
17. Movement in and out of Entebbe Airport will remain open.UPDF to manage screening at airport
18. Cargo tracks allowed to move in and out of the country with turn boy and the driver with negative results.
19. Buses and taxis to operate with 50% passengers. starting Monday 2 August. To be reviewed after 2 weeks.
20-No air conditioning in all public transport
21-Food markets remain open.
22- Seasonal markets remain closed
