Covid19 also known as corona virus is said to have emerged from China in 2019 spreading all over the globe. This pandemic easily spreads from one person to another through liquid droplets when an infected person openly sneezes, coughs or inhales in close proximity of uninfected person. Direct individual contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces greatly exposes one to higher chances of contracting this deadly virus.
Just like any other country on the Globe that was hit by this pandemic, Uganda as well got affected by the virus thus calling for a closure of many facilities in the country as an assuage measure to curb down the rapid spread of this virus. Country borders were closed hence restricting the movement of people all done to put an end to the rapid spread of the virus. With all these restrictions, Tourism in general was put in a fallback position because of the virtual shutdowns. However, these later got loosened amidst the pandemic hence the partial opening of many facilities with tourism inclusive under high observations of the Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] put by the World Health Organization [WHO]
Real evidence and a milestone promise to the kick out of corona virus in the country shown up when the government of Uganda received her very first batch of the covid19 vaccine on 15th March 2021. This was received by the health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero from the COVAX facility and the ambassadors of the European Union where over 864,000 doses of Astrazeneca were received. Later, more batches came in and as you read this now, millions of Ugandans have been vaccinated against the deadly virus. Some of these include the first family (President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his wife Janet Kataha Museveni), the health minister (Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero), the Members of parliament, health workers, journalist, teachers and other prominent members in the country.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19
• Dry cough
• Body aches and pains
• High Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose (Flu)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of smell and taste
Covid19 Mobile Testing
Worry no more about how convenient you can have yourself tested for covid19 in Uganda. The good news are that you can be tested at any time called for while on your safari. A mobile testing system has already been introduced at Sokwe Adventure Safaris where we have patterned with a number of the Ministry of Health accredited health facilities in the country where our clients can conveniently get themselves tested at relatively low costs. Temperature guns are also readily available to monitor in all our safari vehicles for our clients to use in case of any covid suspicion.
Where to do Covid-19 Tests in Uganda?
• Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)
• Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) Laboratory
• Makerere University
• Tororo Mobile laboratory
• Mutukula Mobile laboratory
• Test and Fly Laboratory
• Adjumani Mobile laboratory
• Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC)
• Mild May Laboratory
• Lancet laboratories
• MBN LaboratoryS
• Medipal International Hospital
• Uganda Cancer Institute
• Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL)
Is it safe to travel to Uganda amidst the covid19 pandemic?
YES, it is completely safe to travel to Uganda amidst the ongoing pandemic provided one observes the Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs].
Who should not Travel?
• People that have already tested positive for Covid19 are totally not allowed to travel. However we advise you not to cancel your trip but instead can postpone it until when you fully recover and test negative again
• People with serious underlying health illnesses are also excluded from travelling as they are at a high risk of contracting and spreading the virus until full recovery.
• Elderly people aged above 65years are also not advised to travel as they have got higher chances of contracting the disease.
SOPs at the Entebbe International Airport
As the Ugandan government is trying her level best to protect both her nationals and the visitors, travelers are as well advised to critically observe the following for their own good;
• Upon arrival, travelers are entitled to present a negative Covid-19 test certificate taken 3-5 days before the travel date. This must be done from a certified health facility in the country of origin. Having a vaccination certificate is an added health advantage.
• Travelers will be subjected to Covid19 screening upon arrival. If found positive, one will be quarantined and subjected to medical treatment and supervision.
• Please as well endeavor to wear a mask, sanitize or clean hands with soap and water as much as possible.
• Maintain social distancing of at least 4 meters.
Safety measures/procedures by the Travelers
As we play our part in putting a stop on the rapid spread of Corona Virus in Uganda, our dear clients are as well expected to abide by the Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) put by WHO. So, these or more are highly expected from our clients;
• Most importantly, our clients are required to have tested negative from the Virus. Having a vaccination certificate will be an added advantage.
• Wearing a mask (N95 type preferably) all the time in any gathering.
• Frequent sanitizing of the hands.
• Ensuring social distancing in crowded places.
• Abiding by the covid19 guidelines found at different facilities visited like the Accommodations, National Game Parks, community walks and others
• Avoiding unnecessary stop overs that may lead to contact with the community people of which you may not be sure of their health status as far as Covid19 is concerned
Safety measures/procedures to be taken by Sokwe Adventure Safaris;
• A Temperature gun will always be readily available in all our safari vehicles to monitor our clients’ body temperature.
• Sanitizers for both the clients and the car handles and seats are a must have in all our safari vehicles.
• Through cleaning of all our safari vehicles after every safari/tour
• Wearing a mask by our staff members all the time on any safari is a must.
• All our staff members undergo through daily Covid19 screening before and after getting in touch with our clients.
• All our staff members have been vaccinated. Therefore poses covid19 certificates.
• All our staff members have undergone through the Covid19 training so as to know all about covid19
Conclusively, the health of our clients matters a lot to us. Therefore as Sokwe Adventure Safaris, we urge all our dear clients to maintain vigilance and implement preventive measures to avoid contracting and spreading the virus. In case you notice any of the related signs to covid-19, one is advised to immediately visit any health center around the country to have him/her self-tested under the help of our staff.
In case of any questions about Covid19 in Uganda or booking any Trip with us, please feel free to contact us through email or a direct phone call. We reply within the shortest period of time possible.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU AND BOOK A TRIP WITH US!!!!!!!
