Like the rest of the world is, Uganda has gone on full alert of the deadly Coronavirus. A press release by the Uganda Tourism Board in respect to the health ministry’s precautions affirms this. In the statement, the section dubbed, Interventions in Uganda & travel recommendations by the Ministry of Health, showed the plan. Though Uganda was yet to have a single case, UTB noted that this has greatly affected the global tourism and travel industry, and has put a limitation on travel to and from various countries.
“In order to maintain this status, a number of travelers majorly from China and other countries showing signs similar to those of Corona Virus have been put under isolation for follow up and are being monitored by the Ministry of Health Surveillance teams,” the stated. “Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has advised that travelers from affected countries will be required to undergo a 14-day isolation process for daily monitoring by the Ministry of Health.”
The countries listed are; China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. “It is, therefore, the recommendation and encouragement of the Uganda Tourism Board that intended travelers to Uganda from the affected countries maintain their bookings but delay their travel until a later date when the disease is globally contained and no longer considered an outbreak,” UTB emphasizes.
In fact, yesterday the Health Ministry denied entry to up to 22 people who refused to follow the isolation procedures and put them on the next country back to their country. The apologetic Ruth Achieng insisted that they had been told what would happen upon arrival, and those who were coming for the Uganda-Europe business forum were sent packing.
Also, due to the current threat posed by Corona Virus to Uganda’s travel, trade and tourism assets, UTB’s Lilly Ajarova had even more recommendations. “All tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities provide handwashing facilities with soap at their premises and on-board travel vehicles and vessels,” she said. “To improve preparedness as a sector, tour operators, agencies and accommodation facilities are encouraged to maintain a stock of recommended masks (N95) for their clients.”
It was further emphasized that all tour operators and travel agencies should encourage clients who intend to visit Uganda to carry their own recommended masks (N95). But also all tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities were tasked with educating their staff and clients on preventive measures for the mitigation of contracting Coronavirus. “These measures include; avoiding handshakes and body-hugging, washing hands with disinfectants, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles.”
