With Uganda now in the phase of easing lockdown, wearing a mask is a must, given an individual is in the public. However, the challenging issue has been which type of mask should the general public wear.
In her address today, Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has issued guidelines on the use of face masks. Aceng said there are currently only two types of masks on the market; medical masks and non-medical masks.
The Minister advised the community to use the non-medical masks made out of fabric preferably cotton.
“It should be two layers with a filter inside,” Aceng said. She said medical masks are preserved for medical workers and are not reusable.
Aceng also warned that all those selling masks must pack them well in a sealed transparent polythene paper.
On the issue of truck drivers, Aceng said the Inter-Ministerial East African Countries’ Summit proposed that drivers should be tested at the place of origin close to the border.
Uganda in particular, Aceng said, the Ministry has set up facilities that will test all inland truck drivers for COVID-19.
“All truck drivers in the country are mobilised for testing at Kololo Airstrip, New Taxi Park, Liberty ICD at Namanve, Kyetume in Mukono, SGS Kawanda Station along Bombo Rd, Maya Truck Parking Lot and UNRA Weighbridge at Luweero,” she said.