Uganda cases rise to 56 after Burundian Refugee tests positive for coronavirus
Uganda’s coronavirus cases have risen to 56 after a 46-year-old Burundian refugee who entered Uganda via Tanzania Mutukula border, tests positive for COVID-19 disease.
Through twitter, the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng released a statement on Monday saying the man who tested positive for the COVID-19 disease, was under quarantine in Rakai District.
The one case was among the 1,177 samples tested on Monday, April 2020 at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
“1 new case confirmed today, out of 1,117 samples tested at UVRI. The new case, a 46-year-old Burundian refugee, arrived from Tanzania and was under quarantine at the time of the test. Total confirmed cases are now 56,” Aceng said.
This as Uganda registers 70 per cent recoveries from COVID-19 after 10 more patients were discharged from Entebbe Grade B Hospital on Monday 20 April 2020.
Out of the 56 patient, 38 have successfully recovered from COVID-19 after undergoing treatment with now 18 active cases.
According to Kaducu, all active cases are in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
Among the discharged included 5 children from Watoto church choir, 3 of their caretakers, a case from Kalangala and a boda boda man who had been found positive in Kisubi.
“This should be the largest discharge of a patient who was positive for COVID-19. Five children, we are so happy, that’s great news and also we are discharging five adults,” Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Health Care said.
However, Dr Kaducu, said the case from Kalangala will not be returned home, following the presidential ban on public transport including transport network to the islands.
The medical team at Entebbe Grade B Hospital requested the Minister to give a chance to medics on the frontline, who are currently not government employees to be recruited under government payroll.
In response, Kaducu said their concern will be looked into by the Ministry. “What I can assure you is that we are going to discuss immediately is how staff who have been volunteering, how they can be absorbed.”
Also, the health team highlighted the matter of unpaid risk allowances, but Kaducu assured them that the money will be out soon.
“A letter of approval or okay letter that came from Ministry of Public Service, has given us a way for the Permanent Secretary to go ahead to pay the staff, and I am also happy to note to you that the Director sent a list of staff to the Permanent Secretary, we hope with the support of case management team, this will be done as soon as possible,” Kaducu said.
