Busia Covid-19 taskforce wants border closed over Indian variant

Busia, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Busia district Covid-19 task force wants the national task force to close Busia border following Kenya’s declaration of Kisumu city as a hotspot for the “Indian variant.”

According to the Busia district Covid-19 task force, Kisumu, which is 110 kilometers away is a big threat to the people in Busia district because traders travel there for business.

They also note that most of the people in Busia have abandoned the standard operating procedures put in place by the Ministry of Health to stop the spread of the virus. Mathew Tusubira, the Busia deputy Resident District Commissioner says that it’s unfortunate that people in Busia have totally abandoned the SOPs despite neighbouring Kenya where there is a high prevalence of the new Indian variant.

Tusubira says that they have resolved to enforce the SOPs at public places like markets and schools. He however says that they want the Health Ministry Permanent Secretary to visit Busia border to observe the situation and impose a shutdown.

Stephen Wasike Mugeni, the Busia district LC V chairman says that the situation in Busia is alarming because they have started registering new COVID-19 cases. He says that they want the border closed to stop people from crossing to Kenya for fear of bringing back the infection.

Joseph Ojambo, a resident instead blames the district task force for relaxing on the enforcement of the COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Steven Wafula, another resident says that there’s no need for closing the border because the government cannot provide for the residents just like the case was during the nationwide lockdown.

“Busia border should not be closed because you know we survive on cross border trade and people have just started gaining. I disagree with district covid-19 task force’s call; if God enabled us to pass through the first wave, we shall just survive this Indian variant,” Wafula said.

George Barasa, the LC 1 chairman Nangwe shops in the Western division, says that most of the people in his village still don’t believe that COVID-19 is real. He appealed to the government to come up with measures to compel people to comply with the SOPs just like Kenya has done.

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