Uganda Covid-19 cases rise to 797 as 23 more people test positive

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases Uganda has risen to 797 after 23 people tested positive from samples that were taken on Monday.

Five of the new confirmed cases are truck drivers tested at border points of entry while 18 cases are alerts and contacts from the community.

 All the confirmed cases are Ugandans.

The cases reported Tuesday are not the highest the country has recorded but they stand out because in the past two weeks, the Health ministry has reported single-digit cases, most of which have been picked from communities with no clear connection to other positive cases.

COMMUNITY INFECTIONS

In the last three weeks, cases have been picked in communities in Buikwe, Jinja, Kampala, Entebbe, Amuru and Kyotera.

More than 50 cases have been picked from Amuru and Kyotera.

This, according to Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, is a sign that the disease is spreading to communities which is dangerous for the country.

"While it is good that we have not yet reported a death, it does not mean that we have conquered the disease. Covid-19 is a serious disease that kills. If Uganda has not yet recorded a death, people should be thankful but they should not think the disease in Uganda is not as serious as other strains or that it is a hoax," Dr Monica Musenero, a senior presidential advisor, said.

As of Tuesday, 699 Covid-19 recoveries had been recorded.

While more than half of the country’s confirmed cases have been discharged after receiving treatment from health centres, health specialists say that people should not jubilate as yet.