As Mubende District sighs with relief due to the absence of new cases in 13 days end of the 21 days of lockdown, officials describe the situation as good because there remain only 4 confirmed cases, among them a health worker, but their condition is improving.
The Resident District Commissioner for Mubende Rosemary Byabashaija said that they have taken 13 says without registering any new case and before that they had spent a fortnight without registering a case.
She said that 3 of the cases are from Kassanda District, same as well as the 23 suspected cases who are in isolation at the Ebola Treatment Unit –ETU.
Byabashaija said that with the breaking of children for holidays and the festive season ahead, there is need for the district to be relieved of the lockdown.
Speaking about the status of Ebola in Mubende, Byabashaija clarified that they were waiting for technical advice from the concerned authorities. She also commended the residents for adhering to the restrictions imposed by the government and also cooperating with the authorities to fight the disease.
On October 15, President Museveni announced a 21-day lockdown in Mubende and Kassanda districts, restricting movements in and out to control the spread of Ebola virus disease. He cited the gravity of the problem and the need to prevent further spread of Ebola and protect lives and livelihoods saying that the restrictions start with immediate effect.
Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng extended the lockdown to another 21 days which expire today, this Saturday.
In Kassanda District, officials cautiusly say that they have made some small strides towards managing the epidemic because they have not received any new positive case in last two weeks. Phoebe Namulindwa, the Resident District Commissioner for Kassanda attributed the achievement to increased efforts but she was quick to add that it does not mean there is no Ebola in Kassanda.
She said that despite the efforts supported by the political leadership, there are some motorists and boda boda cyclists who have continued to disobey the regulations.
Namulindwa also revealed that the positive cases they registered earlier were a result of the contact persons they listed but no new case outside the contacts.
Last week, authorities in Kassanda impounded 7 trucks carrying wood logs and they were heading to Kampala in contravention of the presidential directive. The trucks are currently parked at the Police station in Kassanda with their drivers under monitoring until further guidance from the authorities, Namulindwa said.
Meanwhile, the government through the Ministry of Health is yet to issue a statement on the next course of action.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer at the Health Ministry, Emmanuel Ainebyoona said in a telephone interview that a statement is being worked on. He did not divulge any details but insisted that the communication will be issued either Saturday evening or on Sunday.
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