Minister for Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has said that all passenger flights between Uganda and India, a highly Covid affected country have been suspended beginning today on Saturday May 1.
“No travelers from India shall be allowed into Uganda regardless of the route of travel. All travelers who may have been in India or travelled through India in the last 14 days regardless of route taken shall not be allowed into Uganda,” Dr Aceng said.
Aceng said travelers from category two countries which are United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania will be subjected to a PCR COVID-19 test at the points of entry.
She also revealed that individuals from those countries who have received their full COVID-19 vaccination and are asymptomatic will be allowed into the east African country without the need for testing on arrival
“Travellers from UK, US, UAE, Turkey, Ethiopia and South Africa should consider suspending non-essential flights,” she said.
On Thursday this week, the Health Ministry confirmed to have detected the deadly COVID19 variant from India in Uganda.
The new variant, called B.1.617, was initially detected in India with two mutations — the E484Q and L452R. It was first reported late last year by a scientist in India and more details were presented before the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is reported to spread like wild fire.
The Ministry said that the confirmation should be a wakeup call for everyone by ensuring to follow COVID-19 SOPs.
