KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni on Friday evening reactivated Covid-19 restrictions, advising anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to refrain from public gatherings.
In a televised address, about the health situation in the country, Museveni said the National Task Force on Covid-19 had reviewed the current situation in the country and made recommendations aimed at avoiding a resurgence and flare up of infections. These, he said must be adopted for implementation, with immediate effect.
Among those new restrictions include; having a certificate of vaccination with evidence of up-to-date boosting in order to be allowed entry into formal meetings and public places. The highlighted public places include religious gatherings, Local Council meetings, and other social meetings. Where there is no up to date vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test within 24 hours must be presented to be allowed access.
The president also said that a Covid-19 vaccination certificate will be required to access offices at all government ministries, departments and agencies and other public and private offices. The use of masks the president added was recommended for all individuals in enclosed places and public gatherings. For people aged 50 years and above, and those living with (ill-health) comorbidities, Museveni said should get vaccinated and boosted at least every six months while individuals with symptoms of Covid-19 should not go to closed or crowded places.
“I have been informed by the Ministry of Health that so far we have received a total of 48,897,520 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country through donations and procurement by government. Of these, 26,281,566 doses have been administered to the population and 22,615,954 doses are still in National Medical Stores. To-date, 59% of the population 18 years and above have received at least two doses of the vaccine while only 6% of the children aged 12-17 years have received 2 doses of the vaccine.
“This is below the target of 28.5 million eligible Ugandans of 22 million adults and 6.5 million children, who are up to date with their vaccination against Covid-19…
“I direct the Ministry of Health to re-launch the vaccination exercise and ensure more people are vaccinated especially the elderly; those with comorbidities and children aged 12-17years,” said Museveni.
