Museveni clarifies on the issue of masks, okays use of homemade coronavirus masks provided they are the right quality.
President Museveni said the government is going to start as soon as possible donating free masks to every Ugandan countrywide but anyone who is in position to acquire himself a quality mask will be tolerated.
President Museveni said Tuesday while addressing the nation for the second time in a space of two days. He clarified that the reason the government took up the decision of making these masks is to ensure everyone in the country has equal access to better quality and even safer mask.
Museveni however, explained that individuals who are capable of acquiring themselves well and quality masks are good to go as the country prepares to open both public and private means of transport.
“Apart from social distancing, the big measure is using masks. Those who can get masks on their own, we don’t mind provided they are the right quality. The health ministry will tell you the right type,” Museveni clarified.
During his 14th address to the nation on Monday 18, the President said that lifting of the lockdown is tied down to the distribution masks countrywide. He said it is now compulsory for all Ugandans to wear masks when in public places as a way of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.
Museveni said that government is already in co-operation with the Nytil company to ensure fast production of masks enough to accommodate all people of six years and above countrywide.
He explained that the whole process of acquisition and distribution can take about two weeks before businesses countrywide are allowed to resume their operations again.
“Opening up is down to the mask and the masks will be ready in two weeks, starting May 19. We believe that with the proper mask, you do not infect others and you also do not get infected, on top of all the other measures,” Museveni said on Monday.
Part of his Monday address, he also issued a strong warning to locals who are already treating the masks as a decoration by hanging them around their necks rather than wearing over the nose and mouth.
“Put the mask over your mouth and nose all the time as long as you are in public. Don’t just hang it around your neck because it’s not for decoration,” Museveni added.
“Even when you are speaking, leave the mask on because if you remove it, you are infecting or getting an infection from the air, and also the hands you are fidgeting with while removing the mask can bring the infection.”
