KAMPALA – Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has dismissed as fake news the rumours circulating on social media that a KLM flight has been grounded over Coronavirus passengers.
Mr. Vianney Luggya, Manager Public Affairs in a statement said authorities have noted an unfortunate social media post alleging that several passengers aboard a KLM flight exhibited “signs of flue and cough after several screenings” on March 7, 2020.
The post that he said “is not true,” wrongly insinuates that the passengers were destined to be flown back on the same KLM flight after they exhibited COVID-19 signs.
Mr. Luggya explained that a KLM flight from Entebbe International Airport to Amsterdam experienced a technical glitch on March 7, 2020, and didn’t take off as planned.
“The flight’s failure to take-off was for technical reasons, which is a normal practice in the aviation industry. It had nothing to do with any suspected Corona Virus cases.”
The authority also warned the public not to circulate rumours through social media.
“Please disregard the post. Competent authorities on health matters have been consistently providing relevant updates to the public as and when there is any development.”
Here’s a clarification from Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. pic.twitter.com/9mr3DBWKT8
— Uganda CAA (@UgandaCAA) March 8, 2020
KLM operates daily flights direct from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to Amsterdam since April 5, 2013.
The government on Saturday, March 7 banned all international conferences slated to take place in Uganda until further notice due to the looming threat of COVID-19.
Some of the cancelled international conferences include the Africa Climate week and G77+China summit that were due in Kampala next month.
This was revealed by Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng as she updated the public on Uganda’s enhanced measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19.
As of Saturday, March 7, the Minister said Uganda does not have any confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.
She announced stringent measures put by the government to contain coronavirus. Ms. Aceng said that people residing in the seven countries; Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, China, Germany, and Spain should consider postponing non-essential travel to Uganda.
“Any traveler from these countries, including Ugandan nationals will be subjected to self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival to Uganda even if they do not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” Dr. Aceng said.
She added that her Ministry will observe travelers from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, India, and the USA very closely and the evolution of the outbreak in these countries and advise on any restrictions in the coming weeks.
The Minister said travellers from the rest of the countries will undergo the routine screening upon arrival and be advised accordingly on the measures to undertake while in country to prevent infection and where to report if not feeling well.
