Distribution of government facemasks in Kampala metropolitan area is set to commence tomorrow, the ministry of health has revealed.
The free face mask distribution which started in June this year is part of government’s intervention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
While giving an update on COVID-19 response in Uganda today, the minister of health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng revealed that a total of 8,229,803 face masks have so far been distributed across the country.
The minister said districts which have so far received the face masks include Amuru, Kyotera, Buikwe, Arua, Adjumani, Isingiro, Rakai, Moroto, Tororo, Gulu, Hoima, Ntungamo, Kakumiro, Masaka, Kumi, Moroto, Lira, Mbarara, Yumbe, Soroti, Kamuli, Kasanda, Omoro, Jinja, Kiruhura and Kabale.
She says a total of 6,700,000 face masks will be distributed to cater for the population living in the Kampala metropolitan area starting tomorrow.
“So far, 4,908,507 face masks have been delivered to the ministry of health headquarters and are ready for distribution to people in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono” said Aceng
The distribution exercise which was expected to be completed within two weeks after commencement is said to have been delayed by the limitted production capacity and delivery of the suppliers.
Minister Aceng warned the general population to adhere to all the measures instituted by the president and the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the ministry in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Uganda.
” The National Task Force and the ministry of health have been observing the dire state of affairs in various parts of Kampala especially in Kikubo, taxi park and other parts of the country especially political activities where individuals are seen to carry out their activities with out protection. As you have all seen COVID-19 is real, dangerous and it kills as we have started to see in Uganda” said the minister.
“Don’t let the mask hang on your neck like a necklace, or hang on your ear. The mask must be worn correctly at all times to protect you and your families from getting infected by COVID-19” she cautioned
Currently, Uganda has a total of 1,147 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1,185 recoveries and 2 deaths.
