Six Gombe hospital health workers quarantined

Mpigi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Six health workers of Gombe Hospital have been quarantined after getting into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient at Buyiga island in Mpigi district.

The health workers who have been quarantined at the staff quarters include a clinical officer, a midwife and four nurses. According to Mafumu Kyeswa Bavekuno, the Butambala chairperson, the health workers did not follow the standard operating procedures while taking samples of the patient who visited their facility last week.

According to Kyeswa, the health workers thought the patient was suffering from Tuberculosis. However, when samples were taken, he tested positive to COVID-19 and was subsequently advised to isolate from his family, community and wear a face mask as he waits for evacuation.

The confirmation of the coronavirus disease patient prompted police to halt all activities on the island. Businesses closed and passenger boat movements to and from the island were equally suspended. Butambala RDC and chairperson of the district COVID-19 task force Hajji Badru Ssebyala says that three other people from the community who got into contact with the patient have also been quarantined.

The number of contacts for the positive patient now rises to 10 including the four members of his family who are currently quarantined at Mpigi health center IV. Ssebyala has expressed concern about the failure by the people at the islands to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to combat the spread of COVID-19.

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