Uganda has struck foreign cargo truck drivers off its list of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease. Subsequently, the number of cases recorded within the country’s borders has reduced from 264 published on Tuesday to 145.
The health ministry, in a tweet announcing results for tests done on May 20 said, that cases involving foreign cargo truck drivers confirmed in Uganda have been struck off the list following a presidential directive.
Earlier, the ministry added foreign cargo truck drivers who tested positive within the country, to its case count on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation. A substantial number of positive cases confirmed in Uganda in the recent weeks involve foreign truck drivers. Most of the samples from the community have been turning out negative.
Uganda confirmed its first case on May 21. Uganda has since implemented a raft of measures, including closure of Entebbe International airport and a ban on public transport, to halt the spread of the novel virus.
However, in his 14th address on COVID-19, President Yoweri Museveni relaxed measures on operations of some businesses. A ban on movement on private cars will be lifted on May 26 and public transport will resume on June 4 in the non-border districts.
But travellers in private and public transport vehicles will be required to wear face masks. In addition, all people are expected to wear face masks to public spaces.