At the moment, the health Ministry has not recorded any confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country, but continues to advise the general public to stay vigilant and report anyone that presents possible symptoms of the infection.
Yesterday, there was panic by staff at a hotel when staff and management realised that one of their guests, a Chinese national, had checked in to isolate himself from the public and self-quarantine.
The Chinese national whose identity has been kept anonymous works with Chinese construction company China Chongqing International Construction Company (CICO) returned from China and was picked by his driver from Entebbe International Airport to the company’s offices in Euta, Arua.
According to the Daily Monitor, the suspect had his colleagues distance themselves from him so he decided to go to a hotel to isolate himself for the recommended 14 days.
Staff at the hotel did not know about his reason for checking in until his friends took him food and protective gear. This has since caused panic at the hotel, with staff and management wanting him to leave.
Arua District Health Officer Dr Paul Bishop Drileba was promptly alerted and he led a team of health officers to the hotel room where the Chinese national was and advised him to stay there for the recommended 14 days of isolation.
“We were informed by his colleagues and we have been aware of his coming. Yesterday, we met him physically at the hotel, talked to him and agreed with him to self-quarantine until March 24, when we shall be able to clear him,” he said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Arua Alice Akello said they are planning to transfer the Chinese national to another place due to pressure from the hotel owner who fears losing clients when people start avoiding going to his hotel.