Uganda Ministry of Health to deport Tanzanian truck driver who tested positive for COVID-19 at Mutukula border
The Uganda Ministry of Health has clarified that its plans are already underway to track and return the 34-year-old Tanzanian truck driver who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
A total of 1,120 samples were tested on Friday including 744 samples from truck drivers at border points and 376 samples from individuals under quarantine and contacts in the flag of Uganda.
Out of it all, one person was confirmed positive however, the Ministry of Health has insisted that the confirmed case was of a 34-year-old Tanzanian cargo truck driver and thus does not increase the total number of cases in Uganda.
According to the health ministry, the new case is not counted part of those confirmed in Uganda and as a result, the 34-year-old will be deported back to his mother country from where he will seek medication keeping Uganda’s cases still at 55.
“The earlier confirmed new COVID-19 case is a 34-year-old Tanzanian truck driver from Dar-es-salaam who arrived at Mutukula border on Thursday 16th contrary to what was earlier posted. Efforts are underway to track the driver and return him to Tanzania. COVID-19 confirmed cases remains at 55,” a statement from the Ministry of Health read.
As of Saturday 18th, Uganda has a total of 55 confirmed cases with no victims reported to have succumbed to the virus and if you exclude those that have recovered from the virus, the number of infected patients reduces to only 35.
The numbers contrary to those in her neighbouring countries indicate that Uganda as a country has tried hard to put up necessary measures to try and control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, however, in his recent speech to the nation, President Museveni mentioned a few potential virus spreading points that needed effective monitoring.
In particular, President Museveni pinpointed the porous border points with nearby countries that allow people to sneak into the country, cargo trucks drivers and their crews, aircraft crew, UN workers who were allowed to continue operating and the health workers who are currently treating these people infected with the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Health earlier this week said that they have started carrying out compulsory testing for COVID -19 for all cargo truck and lorry drivers mostly those who travel in and out of the country via various border points.
Besides, the health ministry reminded all those who travelled back into the country from between 7th to 22nd March to ensure they isolate themselves at home and report for check up to avoid the spread of the virus.
