The Coronavirus that broke out in Wuhan, Hubei province of China early this year has at this point spread to all continents, reported in 47 countries, claimed over 3000 people and more than 80000 infected.
This outbreak has affected international travel, tourism, business, and sports among others all over the world as governments struggle with containing it, and others have put in place all measures not to have their people infected.
In Uganda, the Ministry of Health has not recorded any confirmed cases of the deadly virus, and has put in place screening and disinfectant equipment at Entebbe International Airport.
The Uganda Tourism Board has recommended that intended travellers to Uganda from the affected countries (China, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Italy among others) maintain their bookings but delay their travel until a later date when the disease is globally contained and no longer considered an outbreak.
Additionally, due to the current threat posed by Coronavirus to Uganda travel trade and tourism assets, the Uganda Tourism Board has recommended that:
All tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities provide hand washing facilities with soap at their premises and on-board travel vehicles and vessels.
To improve preparedness as a sector, tour operators, agencies, and accommodation facilities are encouraged to maintain a stock of recommended masks (N95) for their clients.
All tour operators and travel agencies should encourage clients who intend to visit Uganda to carry own recommended masks (N95).
All tour operators, travel agencies and accommodation facilities should educate their staff and clients (visitors) on preventive measures for the mitigation of contracting Coronavirus.
These measures include; avoiding handshakes and body hugging, washing hands with disinfectants, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles.
The board calls upon the general public to remain vigilant, and follow the guidelines put in place by the Ministry of Health to safeguard themselves against copronavirus.