UGANDA CLOSES BORDER WITH DRC OVER ESCALATING CASES OF EBOLA

Dr Diana Atwine. PHOTO | STEPHEN OTAGE

DAILY MONITOR

The government has temporarily closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo following the escalation of the Ebola outbreak in the country, posing risks in Uganda.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, said the Wednesday resolution by the National Task Force on Ebola Response, chaired by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, aimed at mitigating the risks of the disease spreading in Uganda.

Dr Atwine said that, whereas the total number of Ebola cases in Uganda is still at 7 and the initial index case that had died, the escalation of the deadly viral disease in the neighbouring DRC has warranted Uganda to close the border for about four weeks to minimise the risk of cross-border infections.

The Taskforce resolved to close the border with the DRC with immediate effect, restrict movements in and out, impose self-21 days’ mandatory self-isolation for those returning from DRC and ensure strict implementation of all Ebola prevention and control guidelines.

‘’Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect. The only Exceptions are for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.’’ The Ministry said on Wednesday.

Adding that: ‘’The Immigration Authority is directed to permit only authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and essential security personnel moving to and from Uganda from the DRC.’’

According to resolutions, all authorised entrants shall be subjected to strict health screening, completion of locator forms, documentation, and continuous monitoring at all ports of entry in accordance with Ministry of Health surveillance protocols.

The government has also imposed a mandatory 21-day self-isolation under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and district surveillance teams.

It, however, says assured that all schools in border districts shall remain open but must strictly observe all Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

School authorities have been directed to identify all students who have recently returned from DRC and ensure that their temperature is monitored and recorded daily for twenty-one (21) days.

Districts along the Uganda-DRC border shall designate at least one health facility to accommodate and monitor any learner who develops symptoms such as fever during the observation period, pending further assessment.

Security headed by the Resident District and City Commissioners has been instructed to strictly ensure implementation and enforcement of all Ebola prevention and control guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and National Task Force.

Media houses have also been directed to dedicate at least thirty (30) minutes of prime-time programming daily to public education and sensitisation on Ebola prevention, detection, and reporting.