What you need to know about Uganda’s Corona virus prevention Measures and Gorilla trekking during this period of pandemic spread across the globe

In addition to the travel Ban / mandatory quarantine of 16 countries from entering Uganda. On March 18, 2020, the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Ordered closer of schools, public rallies and all large group gatherings

Although there has not been any confirmed case of coronavirus as of today (March 18, 2020), The president said all primary and secondary schools, universities and other institutions of learning would be closed starting Friday, March 20, 2020, for one month.
“It is wise that we temporarily remove these concentration points to prevent the spread of coronavirus. All these institutions, without exception, should close so that we deny this virus high concentration. We don’t want the virus to find dry grass ready for ignition,” All outbound movements of all Ugandans going to or through Italy, France, South Korea, China, UK, USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway, Malaysia, Pakistan, San Marino, Austria, Netherlands has been banned for 32 days,” he said.

On 11^th March 2020, Uganda restricted visitors from category 1 countries with high spread cases of coronavirus, including China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, UK, USA. Sweden, Belgium. Norway,  Malaysia, Pakistan, San Marino, Austria, Netherlands, and Spain.”The government has decided to ask travelers from the above countries not to come to Uganda at the moment because of the high cases they are reporting can easily be imported into the country,” the country’s health minister Jane Ruth Aceng. In the new statement, travelers from these countries are urged to consider “postponing non-essential travel to Uganda.”Aceng said those who insist on visiting the East African nation from these countries would have to self-quarantine at their own cost for 14 days either at home or a government facility

In Summary below is what the government of Uganda has put as measures to prevent the spread of corona Virus (Convid-19) for 32 days starting from March 20, 2020, as addressed by the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

1. All primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational schools, and universities closed temporarily for one month.

2. All church and religious gatherings suspended with immediate effect. Prays are to be done at home and the preachers are asked to use media for preaching

3. Political or cultural public meetings are all forbidden for 32 days with immediate effect.

4. All outbound movement by Ugandans to or through the countries affected by Covid 19 is banned.

5. Ugandans abroad are not stopped from coming home but must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14days under theory own cost.

6. Non agricultural and workplace eg factories, offices, markets, parks, etc will continue but with procedures of dos and don’ts put up by the ministry of health

7. Ugandan style weddings that bring together many people discontinued. The only people allowed will be bagole, best man, matron, priest, assistant only, etc Less than 10 people to be allowed for now

8. Funerals Burial are to be done by the nearby relatives then the mourning will be postponed and rituals to be done later. If the dead person died of Covid 19 the state will carry out the burial.

9. Public Transport, Will continue but under strict MOH guidelines

10. Discos, concerts, rallies and the likes are banned for 30 days

11. Monthly or weekly markets are suspended for 30 days

12. Nutrition; Ensure you eat a Balanced diet Take in good quantities of oranges (ascorbic acid), lemons and ripe bananas for folic acid

13. Don’t sneeze if necessary (ensure you have a tissue or a hankie)

14. Wash hands with soap regularly, make it a habit not to touch your eyes nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid clapping.

About Gorilla Permits Cancelation and Rescheduling

Currently, all tourist activities are still open to visitors including Gorilla trekking, game drives among others however they have to be conducted in line with the above guidelines most especially people from the high-risk countries should be prepared to undergo the 14 days Quarantine on their own cost.

On March 10, 2020, the Uganda wildlife Authority released a letter regarding the rescheduling of Gorilla permits and other activities in the National park in Uganda during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Uganda Tourism Board also recommended that intended travelers to Uganda from affected countries maintain their bookings but delay their travel plans until a later date when the disease is globally contained. Uganda Wildlife Authority reviewed its reservations, bookings, and cancellations as below.

1. Any cancellation request will follow the existing cancellation policy
2. All late reschedules will not be charged for clients whose travels have been affected by coronavirus as long as the request is made before the tracking date but reschedule will only be allowed once
3. All permits should be fully paid at least one week to the tracking date
4. All Discounted permits can also be similarly rescheduled without any fines.

The above provisions will be effective until March 31, 2021, unless otherwise.

Engagi Safaris would like to encourage everyone to continue following the basic precautionary measures put in place by a world health organization to minimize the infection and spread of the virus as below.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water at least 20 seconds
• Use Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in case you cannot access water and soap
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with anyone
• Avoid touching any surface or object if not necessary
• Clean and disinfect frequently all surrounding surfaces like tables doors etc

If you see any signs and symptoms of Corona Virus-like fever, fatigue, cough, sneezing, aches and pains, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, shortness of breath or if you think that you have been exposed to corona Virus you can call on toll-free lines of 0800-100-066/0800-203-033 and report any suspected case Or you can attend to one of the screening centers in Uganda which are China Uganda Friendship Naguru and Entebbe Grade B Hospital and note that Corona Virus screening is free of Charge at these centers.

Uganda remains free of the coronavirus as of March 19, 2020, and as Engagi Safaris we stand with everyone around the world with great hope that the situation will be contained very soon.