The minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, on Saturday urged Ugandan women to keep away from long-distance cargo truck drivers after three of them tested positive for coronavirus.
One of the truck drivers was a Ugandan national from Tororo district who was travelling from Kenya. He was found in Kamdini.
The other two truck drivers were a Kenyan and Tanzania who all entered Uganda from different entry points. The Kenyan entered through Malaba while the Tanzanian entered through Mutukula.
“I appeal to all of you who live along the roads followed by the truck drivers including the women who interact with them for different purposes to stay away from these truck drivers. During this period of Lock down, please do not accept visitors into your homes, not even neighbours, ensure adequate physical distancing with people who do not live with you every day,” she said on Saturday while giving the second comprehensive update on COVID-19 response.
While the ministry was able to trace two of the truck drivers, the other truck driver is yet to be found.
During the 21-day lockdown, only trucks transporting cargo are allowed to enter the country through the border points.
Dr Aceng also warned people who use the trucks as a means of transport.
2,500 trucks cross Uganda’s borders daily.
At border entry points. The drivers are undergoing a mandatory COVID-19 test but are left to go before their results can be released.
So far, 2,878 truck drivers and turn boys have been tested.
As of Saturday, Uganda has 55 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
