Uganda: All Schools and institutions of higher learning to close for 42 days effective 8:00 AM of 7th June 2021

In an address by the Ugandan President, all schools and institutions of higher learning should close for 42 days effective 8:00AM of 7th June 2021 (tomorrow).

This is stated in President Yoweri Museveni address to the nation on Sunday on new preventive measures to curb the increasing new COVID-19 infections and deaths in the second wave of the virus in the East African country.

It will be recalled that Uganda had on Friday halted the planned reopening of schools for lower classes and a special term for semi-candidates over the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a top official said here.

The pupils for primary one to three classes and semi candidates were meant to report back on June 7.

Uganda’s ministry of health last week reported a rapid increase in the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

As of May 18, more than 29 schools from 17 districts had recorded a total of 803 cases and one death.

The following are other measures that are active with effect from 7th June 2021

1. All teachers MUST be fully vaccinated before they return to schools to teach.
2. Communal Prayers in mosques, churches, stadia, and all other religious gatherings etc have been suspended for 42 days.
3. Public gatherings, including cultural gatherings are suspended for 42 days.
4. Travel from and to Cat A countries remains suspended
5. Agricultural activities to continue since they don’t encourage crowding
6. Factories, construction businesses shall remain open.
7. Shopping malls, supermarkets, taxi parks, etc to continue while observing SOPs from MoH for 1 week and thereafter reviewed on whether they shall remain opened for the 42day period or closed.
8. Marriage ceremonies, parties, and all other social gatherings will be allowed with only a maximum of 20 people with strict observance of SOPs. However, house parties have been banned.
9. The number of persons at funerals and vigils has been limited to 20 people
10. Weekly non-food markets have been suspended for 42 days including the Monthly cattle market
11. All public transport between districts has been suspended with effect from 10th June 2021 for 42days.
12. All interdistrict has been banned for 42days, however, cargo trucks have been exempted with a maximum of 2 people, including registered tourist, essential, and emergency cars
13. Public transport within the same district will be allowed with strict observance of SOPs.
14. Bars, cinemas, music concerts etc will remain closed.
15. Sports will continue without spectators and all participants should have a negative PCR test.
16. All public places have been directed to ensure all SOPs are implemented.
17. A 30% physical presence at offices for 42 days should be implemented and the remainder of the workforce should work from home.
18. Not more than 3 people should be allowed in private vehicles. Note: private vehicles are not allowed to move from one district to another. But they can move within the same district.
19. Shopping arcades, hardware shops etc must close at 7 pm every day for the next 42days, exception will be given to pharmacies that can remain open after 7 pm.
20. Saloons, lodges, and garages are allowed to open until 7 pm. But bars in lodges shall remain closed.
21. Curfew remains at 9 PM
22. Health emergencies during curfew shall be managed on a case by case basis by the security agencies. While the RDC will coordinate this in the rural areas.
23. Boda boda riders will continue ferrying goods/ and 1 passenger and will operate until 6 pm.
24. Anybody found flouting COVID-19 guidelines will be fined.