Deaths due to COVID19 in Uganda are escalating. The dead include prominent political, religious, business & military leaders.
The latest and most senior government official to die is the 2nd Deputy Premier, Ali Kirunda Kivejinja.My thoughts, prayers and sympathy go to the bereaved families and communities.It’s necessary to reflect on what’s happening and what needs to be done as this year of double, double inches to a close.
Our reality is that we now have the highest level of COVID-19 transmission- LARGE SCALE (UNCONTROLLABLE) COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION. Uganda’s huge Health Sector problems; pervasive corruption and bad governance; mistakes in COVID19 response, including holding general elections, can’t be changed.With government response in disarray, please know that you’re on your own.
TAKE THE FOLLOWING PERSONAL MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY: 1. PREVENTspread:
Avoid getting/ spreading COVID19 by personal hygiene,mask, physical spacing and self-isolation, if having flu symptoms or a close contact become COVID +ve.
2. PROTECT the highly vulnerable- 60yrs old and above &those having chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, cancer &conditions affecting immune system. These should work from home as far as possible; avoid visits or mixing with younger people. CHRISTMAS may become especially dangerous for them due to visitors.
3. PROMOTE personal immunity: eat balanced diet of natural foods; avoid sugary drinks & foods; regularly take nutritional immune boosters (especially, if among vulnerable people); regularly do physical exercises- at least 30mins a day; sleep for at least 8hrs a day at regular times; stop smoking & reduce alcoholic drinks & avoid stressful situations.
4. STEAM TREATMENT: can be done at all times but more important if you’ve flu symptoms. Adding thyme, mint, eucalyptus, basil, and rosemary can all add to the benefits of steam therapy
5. HOSPITAL CARE: If you develop fever (high temperature) or chest pain on top of some of these symptoms- dry cough, sore throat, tiredness, aches and pains, headache, diarrhoea, loss of taste or smell, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), see a doctor immediately.
I wish you a Merry and safe Christmas! -Besigye