Uganda confirms its first case of Omicron COVID-19 variant

In Summary
  • Seven people tested positive for Omicron variant 
  • Five came from Nigeria, two came from South Africa
  • They are not severely ill but are isolated and being monitored 
  • Minister appeals for calm among the Ugandan population 
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed seven people tested positive form Omicron variant and have been isolated

Uganda has reported its first case of Omicron, the new Corona virus  disease variant initially  reported in South Africa.

Minister for Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that seven people tested positive of the virus.

Yesterday we received information from the lab that seven people tested positive for the Omicron virus. This stresses further the importance of vaccination” minister Aceng said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. 

 
 

Five people from Nigeria and two from South Africa tested positive,have been isolated and are being monitored according to the minister.

 “They have been isolated, we are monitoring them and they are not severely ill so there is nothing to worry about” she said.

 According to the minister the virus may have spread widely all over the globe before it was detected.

 Over 38 countries have reported the presence of Omicron variant which is highly transmissible moving very fast from person to person

 “However even from South Africa the reports are that the infection does not seem to be severe. It is mostly a mild infection and among vaccinated people it is not too much. It is more being seen in those who are un vaccinated” Minister Aceng explained

The minister has appealed for calm among the population of Uganda and advised people who are not yet vaccinated to go for the jab.

 “We have adequate vaccines, it is free, and it is safe and efficacious. Go and get vaccinated" she advised.

The minister has asked the people of Acholi sub region to embrace vaccination and stop listening to propaganda from anti vaccine people  

 “Acholi sub region is an exit route to south Sudan, I know very well that the vaccination coverage in this area is very low and especially the district of Amuru w near  South Sudan.  Let’s work together to ensure the sub region continues to flourish, development goes on without any hindrance, not even COVID-19 should hinder the people. And that can only be possible if we vaccinate” she stated.