In a bid to prevent the spread of Covid19 variant from India, Uganda has suspended all passenger flights to and from one of the world’s most populated countries.
Covid19 is currently ravaging India with more than 2000 people dying every 24 hours while new cases registered everyday are more than 10000. The Indian variant has been perceived to be more lethal compared to variants in Nigeria, UK, South Africa and Kenya.
Despite India being known for having the best health facilities, hospitals are currently overwhelmed and Covid19 patients are dying for lack of oxygen. The situation in India has forced other countries to offer a helping hand.
Uganda’s minister for health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, revealed that they have already detected Indian variant in the country. The government has therefore decided to take necessary measures to avoid the spread of Indian variant which cannot be handled by Uganda’s limping health system.
“All passenger flights originating from India in as of 1st May 2021, midnight are suspended until further notice. No travelers from India shall be allowed into Uganda regardless of the route of travel,” Dr Aceng said.
Travelers who may have been in India or travelled through India in the last 14 days regardless of route taken shall not be allowed into Uganda. All travelers arriving from India before suspension date regardless of the route of travel are expected to be in possession of a negative PCR COVID 19 test certificate that is digitally verifiable conducted within 120 hours from the time of sample removal.
Dr Aceng added that travelers from USA, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania should consider postponing non-essential travel to Uganda.
Covid19 has so far killed over 330 people in Uganda while more than 40000 have recovered from the contagious disease. Among those who have succumbed to Covid19 are MPs, businessmen, civilians and more than 50 health workers.