UN vows to continue with humanitarian assistance in nations affected by Coronavirus disease COVID-19
Coronavirus disease COVID-19 Update: A statement issued by United Nations (UN) indicates that millions of people are still relying on the UN humanitarian aid for a living and as a result, they must continue issuing assistance during these tragic times.
In a media briefing in Geneva, Jens Laerke, Deputy Spokesperson at the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA), said that some of the countries affected by the Coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic are already facing a humanitarian crisis as a result of climate change, natural disasters and conflicts.
“It is extremely important that we continue the life-saving work in these countries, and that we sustain the humanitarian response across the world,” Laerke said.
Laerke said OCHA team based in Geneva is working hard to see that they support the coordination, information management and logistics of humanitarian across the globe. In addition to bolstering countries that already have the virus and those that may have it probably.
“We must leave no one behind in this crisis, and we must beat back this together.”
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Europe, Hans Kluge which is now the epicentre of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuesday 17th March urged every country, with no exceptions, to take the boldest action to stop or slow the spread of Coronavirus.
“Everyone in society has a role to play: not to be infected yourself, and if you are infected, to protect others, especially the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.”
Relatedly, Rwanda has announced serious travel restrictions that include halting all passenger flights in and out of the country.
This comes after Rwanda registered three new cases of Coronavirus disease COVID-19 infections raising the number to 11.
In a government statement issued on Wednesday 18th, March 2020 the three additional coronavirus cases reported were identified through a positive diagnosis on the same day.
They included an Indian woman aged 37, who arrived in Rwanda on the 8th of March, 2020 from Mumbai who happened to be a spouse to the first confirmed case that was declared on Saturday 14th, March, 2020.
While the other two are male Rwandans nationals one aged 26 years old who has no recent travel record and a 45 year who arrived in the country on March 16, 2020, from Belgium via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
So in the event of controlling more outbreaks, Rwandan government decided to halt all flights coming in and out of Rwanda including the RwandaAir starting Midnight 20th, March 2020 for 30 days.
However, according to the directive, Cargo and emergency planes will continue to operate to allow the country access the necessary supplies.
“Heightened vigilance is required from all residents of Rwanda. Continue to observe the instructions of health authorities, particularly washing hands regularly, avoiding large gatherings, and limiting unnecessary movements,” the statement said.
According to the Health Ministry statement, all confirmed COVID-19 patients are under treatment and are in stable conditions isolated from the other patients, and attempts to trace all the people they contacted are underway.
Also, the government is considering revising the initial two week school and places of worship closure announced last weekend based on the current situation.
Yesterday officials from the Ministry of Health urged Ugandan to be vigilant and wash hands regularly using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In their statement, it’s not only sanitizers but ordinary soap and water can work extremely better.
The officials also advised the public to stop handshake habit, direct contact between your hands, mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands because these are primary entry points for the Coronavirus.
Symptoms of Coronavirus include dry cough, shortness of breath and fever. So for any symptom one is advised to rush for immediate medical attention.
In Uganda currently, Ugandan returning to the country are checked in but will be subjected to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days, at with them covering all costs, and according to the president if one fills that he/she cannot afford the quarantined they should remain where they are until the situation comes under control.
In the president’s state of the nation on Coronavirus, he advised Ugandans to stop unessential travels and travels to affected countries have been banned.
Also, Uganda Airlines flights to affected African countries have been stopped.
