KAMPALA – Cabinet is set to meet today, Monday, May 4, 2020 to determine whether the lockdown over coronavirus will be extended.
At the weekend, the National Taskforce on Covid-19 advised President Museveni that the 21-day lockdown extension, which is due to end on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, be extended by another two weeks to allow conclusion of the community testing survey launched last week.
The survey, which is being conducted in selected districts considered most at risk of acquiring coronavirus, seeks to determine whether the deadly disease has spread to communities. So far, two people, a police officer from Masindi District in Bunyoro sub region, and a refugee in Rakai District, have been found positive of coronavirus from the survey.
Despite this recommendation, Cabinet is expected to ease the current lockdown measures to allow more businesses and offices to reopen but under strict guidelines.
However, Churches, schools and other social gatherings such as big weddings are expected to remain banned.
A taskforce member, who preferred anonymity because Cabinet meetings and discussions are confidential told this website on Monday morning that the ministers and the President are cognizant of the impact of maintaining the current lockdown on ordinary Ugandans economically.
Many Ugandans have lost jobs while those with businesses are starving in their homes.
Following the Cabinet meeting, the President will address the country on the next measures.
“I will address the country tonight at 8pm, guiding on the way forward as the 21-day lockdown extension comes to a close tomorrow. I urge you all to continue observing the guidelines from our health experts as the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic continues,” Mr Museveni posted on his social media pages on Monday morning.
