Bahati: Let's not be complacent in COVID-19 fight

Finance state minister David Bahati has urged Ugandans not to be complacent in the fight against COVID-19.

The minister said this will in turn help the country not to stretch the available health facilities, which also cater for other diseases and medical conditions.

At a recent scientific burial of his brother-in-law in Kabale, Bahati said: "We need to avoid the situation of Brazil, Italy and America."

James Turyakira who died at 59 was married to the minister's elder sister, Christine Turyakira. He died of pancreatic cancer at Mulago Hospital on Tuesday.

"It also important to keep fighting to avoid the number from climbing because as the numbers increase we over-stretch our medical system yet we have other disease to treat such as cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure," Bahati said.

Uganda's confirmed COVID-19 cases have since reached 694, with 199 total recoveries.

The country is currently in the process of easing the close to three-month lockdown by authorities have warned of a second wave of the virus if people do not abide by the standard operating practices.

President Yoweri Museveni recently emphasized that people should wear masks whenever in public, use sanitizer and always keep social distance.

Subsequently, the government started issuing free masks to all Ugandans to ensure the presidential directive is adhered to.

Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng warned that the Government will not hesitate to implement another lockdown if the public insists on being complacent.