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Ugandans have been urged by the Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng to strictly follow preventive measures against COVID-19, including as frequent handwashing, sanitization, and upholding social separation in a statement highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance against the virus following First Lady Janet Museveni’s positive COVID-19 test results from tests taken around Christmas. On Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng has called on the citizens of Uganda to steadfastly adhere to precautionary measures against COVID-19, including frequent handwashing, sanitization, and maintaining social distancing.

This appeal comes in the wake of First Lady Janet Museveni testing positive for COVID-19 during tests conducted around the Christmas period. Dr. Aceng issued a statement on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against the virus.

President Yoweri Museveni directed Dr. Aceng to address the public, sought clarification on the high transmissibility of COVID-19 through hand contact. Dr. Aceng explained that since the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, it has been established that surface such as tables, door handles, doors, and chairs significantly contribute to the transmission of the virus through touch.

Unlike many other viruses, the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for over three days. Research has documented that transmission through contact with infected surfaces, followed by touching one’s soft body parts like the eyes, nose, and mouth, is a more common route of infection than airborne transmission.

In response to this understanding, the Ministry of Health launched an extensive handwashing campaign during the peak of the pandemic. Measures such as discouraging the touching of soft body parts and restricting handshakes were implemented. The ministry also recommended the regular disinfection of surfaces like tables, door handles, chairs, and doors to curb the spread.

While airborne transmission has been demonstrated, it typically occurs within a very close distance of under two meters, without masks. Dr. Aceng highlighted that, under the current circumstances, where effective social distancing and masking are implemented at the State House, the highest risk for transmission remains through touching infected objects and surfaces.

Addressing the issue of emerging COVID-19 variants, Dr. Aceng noted the existence of the stealth variant, which seems to bypass oral and nasal routes, directly targeting the lungs. This variant may not linger in the nose or throat for an extended period, potentially leading to negative test results despite the presence of symptoms.

Dr. Aceng stressed that factors such as the method of sample collection, the depth of swabbing, and the timing of the infection process influence the accuracy of positivity rates. Despite the World Health Organization’s declaration of the end of the emergency, she emphasized that COVID-19 is still present, urging all Ugandans, especially the vulnerable, to continue practicing the recommended precautionary measures.