PM Rugunda in Self-isolation after Contacts Test Positive for COVID-19

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has gone on self-isolation after his contacts tested positive for COVID-19. Rugunda on Friday morning announced on Twitter that he had gone into self-isolation as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

“Friends, I have gone into self-isolation after some of my contacts tested positive for #COVID19. My own test result is negative, however, I have taken this decision as health recommended measure,” Rugunda tweeted.

This comes after 35 more people tested positive bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 557. Rugunda on Wednesday appeared in the parliamentary plenary where he was brought to order for not wearing a face mask.

Apparently, COVID-19 scare among top government officials has prompted the Ministry of Health to test all Ministers at OPM.

Last week, State minister ICT for NG Peter Ogwang took a voluntary COVID-19 test at Mulago Hospital and the results returned negative.

According to Dr Charles Olaro, director health services, 15 of the new confirmed cases are from 1,412 samples from points of entry while 20 are from 855 samples of contacts and alerts.

"Seven of the confirmed cases are truck drivers who arrived from South Sudan via Elegu border point, two are truckers who arrived from Kenya via Busia border point while three cases are from Lira, Malaba and Orabo points of entry," Dr Olaro said.

Dr Olaro further revealed that two members of the security team at Elegu border point are among the confirmed cases.

"Another confirmed case is a trucker who arrived via Ngomokomo, Gulu District. 2o of the confirmed cases are alerts and contacts to previously confirmed cases. These include; seven from Kenya, five from Amuru, three from Mayuge, two from Kyotera, one from Wakiso, one from Dokolo and another from Amolatar districts," he added.

31 foreign truckers also tested positive and have been handed back to their respective countries of origin after testing positive for the virus.