No Imminent COVID-19 Lockdown, Says Ministry of Health Amidst Surge Claims

The Ministry of Health has moved to allay public fears of an impending COVID-19 lockdown, dismissing viral social media claims of a significant surge in infections across Uganda. Officials assert that current surveillance data does not indicate a unique or alarming trend beyond what has been observed over the past year.

Dr. Col. Henry Kyobe, the COVID-19 Incident Commander at the Ministry of Health, stated in an interview on Tuesday that while their surveillance teams continue to pick up positive cases, these are typically “dozens of positives from thousands of samples tested regularly for pneumonia-related illnesses.” He emphasised that such figures are not unusual.

The recent flurry of social media claims, including fears of a new lethal variant, followed reports from Buliisa district, where ten oil workers under the TotalEnergies-operated Tilenga project tested positive for COVID-19 during a routine testing exercise within their camp.

Robert Mugabe, the Buliisa District Health Educator, confirmed on Tuesday that all ten individuals initially presented with COVID-19-like symptoms, including severe headache, fever, cough, and sore throat, before testing positive. Mugabe clarified that all cases were minor, with eight of the ten having already completed treatment. The remaining two are currently undergoing treatment at the COVID-19 unit within the camp and are responding well. Additionally, 50 other individuals working within the camp are being closely monitored for symptoms.

Dr. Kyobe, however, noted that such results from a cluster of people living or working closely together are not a cause for alarm, as respiratory infections tend to transmit more quickly in such environments. Crucially, he added, there has not been a significant number of people presenting with severe forms of the disease, which would typically trigger concern.

When asked if the current scare should prompt Ugandans to seek booster doses, Dr. Kyobe acknowledged the ideal nature of such a measure. However, he admitted that the current distribution of vaccines across the country is unclear, largely due to many jabs having been withdrawn or expiring due to non-use.

Earlier, the Minister of Health for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga Mugisa, had revealed that Uganda had borrowed up to $80 million to procure COVID-19 vaccines, many of which subsequently expired and were destroyed in health facilities.

Despite the Ministry’s reassurances, Mugabe from Buliisa district cautioned the community, particularly those residing in oil camps, to remain calm but vigilant. He urged strict adherence to COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including regular hand washing, mask-wearing, and social distancing, to prevent further spread. He also encouraged residents and oil field workers experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.