PH
Uganda’s Ministry of Health on Friday urged all COVID-19 asymptomatic patients who are not admitted to hospitals not to integrate with the rest of the public to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
“The Ministry of Health has noted with concern that positive asymptomatic pateints who have been allowed to undergo home-based care are not adhering to the guidelines. They have been found mixing with the community, e.g. using public transport, in work places, markets, etc,” the ministry said in a statement signed by Director General of Health Services Dr. Henry Mwebesa.
Asymptomatic patients are persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 but have not developed symptoms. Despite not exhibiting any symptoms, they are still able to spread the virus.
The ministry appealed to all such patients to isolate themselves at their homes or present themselves for admission at a designated auxiliary centre.
“This means that they should not mix with their family members, colleagues or friends for a period of 14 days,” it added.
“The asymptomatic patients should strictly follow guidelines for Home-Based care which have been widely disseminated and also available on the Ministry of Health website.”
Uganda has reported a steady increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the last few months with the ministry blaming the phenomenon on complacency by citizens and persistent violation of existing health protocols.
The ministry also recently cautioned persons identified as ‘contacts’ and ‘alerts’ of positive COVID-19 cases not to travel out of the country even if they test negative for coronavirus.
As of December 11, Uganda has reported 25,730 confirmed cases and 220 deaths.
