The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe says although the Coronavirus has not been declared a global pandemic, the virus has gone viral in several countries.
“We are all now aware of the outbreak of the New Coronavirus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019,”
“Although the World Health Organization has not declared the outbreak of the virus a global pandemic, the virus has been detected in several countries,” he says in a statement.
According to Nawangwe, all countries, including Uganda have taken precautionary measures to prevent spread of the virus, which has no cure or vaccine.
“The Government of Uganda has announced guidelines for the prevention of the spread of Coronavirus. The measures include the following: Washing hands with soap regularly; Avoiding body contact, such as shaking hands and hugging; Using sanitizers where available,”
“Covering the face when coughing or sneezing; Cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly;
Avoiding crowded places,” he says.
Professor Wanangwe says although no case of the COVID-19 Disease has been identified in Uganda, it is important that people should take the necessary precautions as advised by Government.
He says Makerere University is in talks with Government to buy sanitizers to be used at the university.
“We are in consultation with the Ministry of Health about procurement of sanitizers for use at the University premises,”
“Management will keep all stakeholders updated about any new developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak,” he says.
Yesterday, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the first case of the virus in the country.
