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2021.06.07 02:59 GMT+8

Uganda's president orders schools shut for 42 days to curb COVID-19 spread

Updated 2021.06.07 02:59 GMT+8
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FILE PHOTO: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni /Getty

Ugandan President on Sunday ordered the closure of schools for 42 days starting Monday as the country as part of tighter measures introduced to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The president ordered teachers to use the break to get vaccinated as it will be a requirement for their return to work.

Museveni also imposed a ban on religious gatherings and conferences for 42 days, except cabinet, legislature and judiciary sittings.

Uganda's Ministry of Health on Sunday reported 1,259 new COVID-19 cases out of 7,289 samples tested, the highest figure since the government declared a second wave of infections and deaths had hit the country.

The East African country now has a total of 52,935 infections with 383 virus-related deaths.

Uganda launched its mass COVID-19 vaccination program on March 10, prioritizing essential groups, starting with healthcare workers followed by teachers and those in high-risk groups, including the elderly.

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