KAMPALA: As Ugandans prepare to celebrate Christmas and New Year, police have cautioned the public to watch out for terrorism and COVID-19 threats. Police Spokesperson CP Fred Enanga in his keynote remarks at Police Headquarters Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, December 20, 2021, said it’s now been 34 days since the deadly attacks at CPS and Parliament Avenue.
Nevertheless, police have called upon members of the public to stay alert while traveling, or shopping, in a gathering, partying, or celebrating during this festive season, because the threat of terrorism still exists.
Noting further, Spokesperson Enanga also warned the public to remain vigilant against COVID-19 amidst the festive season.
“We also want to remind the public to be vigilant against COVID-19 and approach the festive season, with an abundance of cautions,” said Enanga.
Last week on December 15, 2021, the country registered 201 new cases of COVID-19. The slight increase in transmission rates and discovery of new Omicron COVID-19 variants is a clear indicator to the public that we may see a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, very soon if health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)are not followed.
“It is quite unfortunate that as we enter the festive season, many people are moving while maskless in public, not observing physical distance and or washing hands with soap,” remarked Enanga.
he also noted that the other danger is the perception of the public that the new Omicron variant is asymptomatic, mild, and can not cause severe illness. “In addition, many vaccinated persons have a feeling that they are fully protected from any variant, and not observing other SOPs,” Enanga added.
“Although vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe disease and fatalities, it is still advisable to follow other preventive measures, even if you are fully vaccinated,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of keeping gatherings small, avoiding crowded or confined places, traveling long distances, ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows and doors, keeping hands clean by washing and using hand sanitizers.
“This is simply because as people gather to party, celebrate, pray or travel to visit their loves one, the opportunities for further virus transmission are significant,” clarified Enanga, further assuring the public that police will implement primary enforcement to ensure the COVID-19 prevention guidelines and SOPs, as well as the curfew provisions, are fully adhered to, to ensure a peaceful celebration.
“All Territorial commanders have been tasked to ensure the COVID-19 prevention guidelines and SOPs in their areas, as well as the curfew provisions, are fully adhered to. We shall, therefore, respond to all violations by ensuring all COVID-19 offenders and defaulters are handled according to the law,” said Spokesperson Enanga.