The health ministry has called on the general public to remain vigilant and maintain the highest level of adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures amidst increasing cases of the Omicron variant.
In a press release dated 17th December 2021, Dr. Henry Mwebesa the Director General Health Services said the number of Omicron variant cases detected following the genomic sequencing at the Uganda Virus Research Institute has since increased to 25 cases up from the seven cases initially confirmed by the Ministry of Health on 7th December, 2021.
‘’This follows the genomic sequencing of samples obtained from travelers through Entebbe International Airport between November 28th and 29th. The cases were imported from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria as per the laboratory findings. Majority of these cases are under home isolation in Kampala and Wakiso districts,’’ Mwebesa said.
‘’To date, the Ministry of Health has not yet confirmed any secondary cases in Uganda, or any significant shift in transmission, or changes in severity of the illness amongst the confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, since starting mandatory testing of all passengers at Entebbe International Airport on 27th October 2021, the number of positive cases among incoming travelers has increased from a daily average of 6 to 90 cases in the past seven days including confirmed imported cases of omicron.’’
He raised that the positive cases are mainly among travelers from countries including Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
‘’This means there may be increased transmission in other countries. Further, evidence from elsewhere in the over 60 countries and territories, where the omicron variant has been shown to be very highly transmissible, it appears it will replace the existing SARS CoV 2 viruses and variants.’’
Mwebesa explained that the variant appears to have a shorter incubation period, and infects both infants and adults, and affects the unvaccinated more.
He however, mentioned that the health ministry has observed that the mortality and severity of the omicron variant appears to be lower than the delta variant. He said they are working closely with their counterparts in South Africa to help understand the omicron virus better and ensure optimal response and control.
‘’Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has accelerated COVID-19 vaccination. Variants emerge when the vaccine coverage is low. Therefore, accelerating vaccination will deny transmission of the virus among susceptible individuals. The Ministry is also intensifying mandatory testing, and follow up of positive cases for all incoming travelers at the 5 major points of entry (PoEs) of Malaba, Elegu, Busia, Mutukula, and Mpondwe,’’ Mwebesa mentioned.
‘’The testing will be implemented by the private sector already existing at the POEs as the Ministry of Health builds adequate capacity to take over, just like we did at Entebbe International Airport. The Ministry of Health therefore advises the public to remain vigilant and maintain the highest level of adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures during the festive season,’’ he added.