Institutions in Uganda trained to prevent the coronavirus

Mar 18, 2020

Uganda has no case of coronavirus disease, but neighbours Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and DR Congo have all confirmed cases.

Doctors from the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda are assessing large institutions and carrying out training on best practices to avert the coronavirus pandemic.

As of March 16, 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had infected 167,511 people worldwide and the number of deaths had totaled 6,606 in over 100 countries or territories, according to global statistics.

The most severely affected countries outside of China include Italy, Iran, Spain, and South Korea. Uganda has no case of coronavirus disease, but neighbours Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and DR Congo have all confirmed cases.

Since institutions including banks always have large numbers of people access their premises for services, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, staff at Diamond Trust Bank (U) Ltd received training on how to stay safe and take preventative measures in dealing with clients for all to stay safe and avoid contracting the Corona Virus.

The Ministry of Health in Uganda issued guidelines on how to stay safe with the primary instruction being avoiding crowded places, shaking hands and washing hands with soap.

Dr. Elizabeth Katwesigye a Senior Technical Trainer-Physician from the Infectious Diseases Institute re-emphasized that hand hygiene is the most effective preventative measure especially for those that work in areas that have super-spreaders that include among other ATM machines, laptops, and cell phones.

 Dr. Elizabeth Katwesigye from the Infectious Diseases Institute delivering her remarks during the training. Courtesy photos

Dr. Katwesigye said in the case that one doesn't have access to water and soap, a hand sanitizer with alcohol of 65% and above is encouraged.

Though handwashing and sanitizing was stated as the most advised preventative measure each and everyone should adhere to, masks were encouraged to be used by those that are sick to avoid them from spreading their infection or disease.

Dr. Katwesigye said gloves are useful too, however, those using them should also note that they aren't safe until they wash their hands as well.

The coronavirus was confirmed in the Chinese city of Wuhan on January 7, 2020. According to Dr. Paul Buyego from the Infectious Diseases Institute, the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, declared Coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic.

Diamond Trust Bank CEO Thambi Vargehese emphasized that Institutions and members of the public should be vigilant and heed to the advice of the authorities to prevent and protect one's self from the coronavirus.

The signs and symptoms of the virus range from cough, flu to severe respiratory diseases that lead to death.

Those with flu symptoms were advised to stay home in isolation to avoid the spread of the disease to those that aren't infected.

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