Observe SOPs to curb rising Covid-19 cases

Godfrey Mugisha 

What you need to know:

The issue: 
Covid-19              

Our view:  
In order for us to limit the rise in infections and deaths, management of public places need to become strict and not allow those who refuse to follow the instructions to access the premises. 

On November 7, Godfrey Mugisha, the NRM flag bearer for Youth chairperson in Ibanda District, died due to Covid-19 at Mulago hospital. He had been transferred from one hospital to another, spent eight days in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and sadly passed on. 
Mugisha was 26 years old. His death and that of many others both young and old, are reminders that the pandemic has not receded, and now more than ever, we should keep our guard up.

According to the latest statistics from government on the Covid-19 Response Info Hub website, as of November 7, Uganda had recorded 132 deaths. There were 14,403 total cases of those who have been infected with the virus and 7,771 recoveries. The numbers are not encouraging. 
Compared to 337 new cases reported as at November 13, there were 18 new recoveries. The graphs also show that not only are the number of new cases growing, the number of people recovering has in the past few weeks dropped. 
Week 39 posted figures of 1,309 new cases, but positively, there were 1,302 recoveries reported. In comparison however, in week 45, there were 1,432 new cases but only 215 recoveries.

For us to get through the next months better and not lose many lives to Covid-19, we need to adhere to the standards operating procedure that the government and the Ministry of Health have consistently issued. 
The opening up of places of worship, schools, universities and institutions for candidates and finalists to resume and complete  their studies; as well as the lead to the 2021 election campaigns, was bound to create more infections in the communities. 

However, things might have been better if individuals and authorities did stick to the SOPs. It is not uncommon to see places of worship admitting more than the required numbers. Washing of hands, as well as sanitising is not enforced in many public places. And even though many people wear masks, they are seen wearing them under their chin, leaving their noses and mouths exposed. 

Studies have shown that using these methods to keep infections low are quite effective. Therefore, in order for us to limit the rise in infections and deaths, management of public places need to become strict and not allow those who refuse to follow the instructions to access the premises. 
And while within the premises, there should be a continual checking of persons to ensure masks are on. If we do not follow the standard operating procedures ardently, we might have only ourselves to blame in the end, when the Covid-19 pandemic  claims more lives.