ENTEBBE – President Museveni has ordered the closure of all schools nationwide over the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Museveni who was on Wednesday evening addressing the nation on the steps taken by Uganda to contain the outbreak of coronavirus has said that it is wise that he closes the schools.
“It wise that we close the schools (Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary, University, and Tertiary) starting Friday at midday. The closure is only temporary and will take one month. We should do this to deny the coronavirus a chance,” the president has ordered.
Museveni also said that there will be no going for prayers for a period of 32 days as such gatherings are much risky for coronavirus spread.
“The prayers will continue but in homes, God is in all places. Yes, we have been praying together and it has its advantages, but we cannot insist on it in the face of danger. Religious leaders can use radio stations and TVs to continue preaching. Pope Francis has abandoned his customary preaching at St peters Square and took on to preach through the television. He has set a very good precedent,” he said.
He said that those with weddings and concerts of all categories should postpone them for 32 days from today.
He said “If the couples are in a hurry, they should go for a purely scientific wedding involving only stakeholders; bridegroom, matron, bride, best man, and the priest as long as the number is less than 10 people.”
“The next frontline of fighting the virus is to stop the merry-making, the discos, the dances, bars, sports, music shows, cinemas, and concerts. These are very dangerous gathering points with the virus around. Drunkards sit close to one another. They speak with saliva coming out of their mouth. They are a danger to themselves. All these are suspended for a month,” ordered the president.
Museveni has commended all burials to be done only relatives nearby as these cannot be banned or postponed for 32 days.
“If the deceased is suspected to have died of coronavirus, the state will bury the person on behalf of the family,” said the president.
Museveni also said that Ugandans coming back from abroad will not be stopped but they will be placed under quarantine at their own cost. “Foreigners going out cannot be stopped from doing so either provided they are not coming back within 32 days.”
