Coronavirus: Government to Offer Relief to most Vulnerable People as Cases Rise

According to a highly placed government source who preferred anonymity, the relief that will be in terms of food items among others is to help the most vulnerable societies to weather the storm during this COVID-19 Pandemic

by KP

posted onMarch 28, 2020

nocomment

Government intends to announce a relief package for the most vulnerable people on Monday.

According to a highly placed government source who preferred anonymity, the relief that will be in terms of food items and others is to help the most vulnerable societies to weather the storm during this COVID-19 Pandemic.

This comes after President Yoweri Museveni this week announced a partial lockdown where among others all public means of transport have been banned to curb the spread of deadly Coronavirus which has since seen the number of cases in Uganda rise to 23.

Meanwhile, five new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed in Uganda Friday night, bringing the total number so far registered to 23.

Earlier in the day, the ministry of health had announced four new cases, adding that some of the patients were being transferred to the New Mulago Hospital.

In a tweet the ministry said: "Out of 227 samples run today at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, 222 samples tested negative for COVID-19."

Dr Diana Atwine, the ministry permanent secretary, said: "We urge you all to follow our guidelines to minimize spread of COVID-19."

Lockdown strategy

Whereas most countries have adopted the lockdown strategy to cut the spread of the virus with Uganda inclusive, there are fears of imminent hunger and starvation considering that most people are not economically empowered to match the demands of the lockdown.

Consequently, government is now considering to provide relief aid starting with the most vulnerable people. This government intervention is expected to be announced on Monday, 30th, March, 2020.

Uganda will not be the first country to offer relief to her citizens in the fight against Coronavirus. Early this month, US President Donald Trump signed a bill to provide a relief package of sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic. This comes after the UN launched an unprecedented global appeal on 25 March, calling for $2 billion in new funds to tackle coronavirus in countries with critical humanitarian needs.

As at March 28, global Coronavirus cases stood at 607,166, with 27,674 deaths and 134,279 recoveries.