A view from a real third-world country…
I have been living in East Africa for 25 years. I have dual citizenship, both Ugandan and American. I thought I would share of bit of my experience from another side of the world.
First off, it is not surprising to me to have so many people here asking why Americans and Europeans (muzungus) are unable to effectively handle the COVID. After all, they have virtually unlimited resources compared to us.
We have had so many outbreaks of Ebola and other emergent viruses, as we are on the border with the Congo, where many of these viruses arise. And the general feeling of people here is that each time an outbreak arises, the cash-strapped government has quickly risen to the occasion to stop the crisis. It is quite amazing to see the confidence people here have in the President to handle this crisis.
To date, we have no reported cases of COVID-19. Being a land-locked country, many feel that we are pre-screened by the countries around us.
Up until this Tuesday, foreigners were asked for their local contacts, and where they were staying. Then they were told to self quarantine for 14 days. I am hosting one such person right now.
Being land-locked may have its advantages
Thermal monitors at airport health screening points. This is from Kenya, as photography is not allowed at our airport.
As of Wednesday, that all changed. President Museveni moved swiftly and decisively to act. He laid down a 13 point plan, as he declared war on the virus.
13 KEY POINTS FROM PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S ADDRESS ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC
1. Schools, tertiary institutions to close for one month starting Friday, 20th March.
2. Religious gatherings, churches, mosques, open prayers suspended for a month with immediate effect.
3. Political and cultural public meetings, rallies, conferences, elections suspended for 32 days with immediate effect.
4. No outbound travel by Ugandans to or through Category One countries (those severely affected by pandemic) for 32 days. These are; Italy, France, South Korea, China, USA, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway Austria, Malaysia, Pakistan and San Marino.
Foreigners can leave but not return in the 32 days.
5. Ugandans coming back from abroad, including category one countries, will be quarantined at their cost.
6. Non-agricultural workplaces, factories, hotels, taxi parks, etc will continue operating but with SoPs, put out by ministry of health, eg compulsory sanitary points, temperature monitors etc. Ministry to publish detailed SoPs.
7. Uganda-style weddings that bring together pentagon of groups will be postponed for 32 days from today. If couples in a hurry, do scientific wedding with core members. Not more than 10 people.
8. Funerals. Burials won't be banned but recommend should be done by relatives who are nearby. Mourning be done later. If deceased died of Coronavirus, State will take over burial.
9. Farmers. Crop people, cattle keepers, fishermen. These should observe proper hygiene practices. Fishermen should be studied closely because they live in concentrated landing sites.
Monthly (open air) markets suspended for 32 days.
10. Public transport. Taxis, bodas, buses, etc. Advice: Don't travel unless it's absolutely necessary. Also, transport operators be given mandatory SoPs. In event of an outbreak in given locality, public transport will be suspended.
11. Stop merrymaking, discos, bars, music shows, concerts. Drunkards speak with saliva coming out of their mouths. Suspended for 32 days.
12. Hygiene. Virus spreads by sneezing, coughing. Observe hygiene. Close your mouth, etc. Stop touching surfaces, wash your hands, don't shake hands, hugging, etc do online transactions.
13. Diet. Do balanced diet. Eat vitamin C, oranges, lemons, etc.
Aside from a few humorous points (scientific weddings and drunkards speaking with saliva), he addressed clearly and unequivocally what was needed of the citizenry. This clarity from a president stands out from what we see coming from the rest of the world leaders.
The most important point here, is that the president has mandated social distancing before the first case of COVID-19 Is reported.
Today we will start to see the reactions from the citizens. One thing that I can predict though: while this country is very strongly based on religion, whether it be Christian or Islam, the religious leaders will stand firmly by the president’s declarations.
We also have a very strong Ministry of Health. We have a pretty strong public health care system here. There are health care centres everywhere. And some of the best virologists in the world, as we are an epicenter for viruses such as HIV and Ebola. People here have total trust in our medical infrastructure.
So now, we wait and see how we fare...