Ugandans urged on SOPs as COVID deaths hit 150

Nov 17, 2020

While addressing journalists on Monday, Dr Charles Olaro, warned that the country is likely to register more deaths due to non-adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures.

HEALTH VIRUS

KAMPALA - Uganda's COVID -19 deaths have hit 150 after five new deaths were recorded by the Ministry of health.

According to the ministry's daily COVID-19 tally, four deaths in Kampala and one in Rubanda district were recorded on November 15, 2020. The four deaths are part of the 237 new confirmed cases. This brings the total deaths to 150 while the cumulative cases now stand at 16,257 cases.

While addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, Dr Charles Olaro, the director Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, warned that the country is likely to register more deaths due to non-adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures.

He particularly expressed worry over the rate at which medical workers are getting infected and some dying. So far, over 1,100 health workers have tested positive for COVID-19 and about nine have died.

Jacob Ampeire(left) from the Ministry of Health interacting with Charles Olaro, the Director Clinical Services Ministry of health. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

"We are seeing health workers dying. We want to urge the population not to take risky behaviours and put the life of health workers at risk. We are seeing what is happening in neighbouring Kenya and across the globe, health workers are dying," he noted.

He said that non-adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and preventive measures such as hand washing, wearing of face masks and social distancing, will not only lead to more deaths but more cases which will overwhelm the health system.

"As the Ministry of Health, we are asking for responsibility on the side of everyone. Not adhering to the SOPs by the public is leading to an increased number of deaths, and it will overwhelm the system to a point that you can get to the hospital and not be able to access care because the workers are overwhelmed," he warned.

Regarding the 237 new cases recorded on November 15, Kampala recorded 103 cases, Wakiso (35), Kasese (14), Busia (11), Katakwi (10), Mbarara (11), Rubirizi (8), Kabarole (7), Luwero (4), Lira (3), Soroti (4), Kabale (3), Kamwenge (2), Ngora (2), Sembabule (2), Kyotera (2), Kyengera (2), Agago (1), Kayunga (1), Isingiro (1), Nakaseke (1), Mbale (10), Kamuli (1), Buvuma (1), Mpigi (1), Kiryandongo (1), Kisoro (1).

The remaining two are truck drivers who tested positive at Malaba border.