We are now into October and want to bring you this month’s update on the Coronavirus situation in the countries and communities that we work in.
At the time of publishing (4.30pm on Thursday 1st October 2020) this is the current situation in the countries where we work.
Uganda
There are now 8,129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Uganda and 75 confirmed deaths. Despite the increase in Coronavirus cases the government have started to ease restrictions in order to help the country’s economy. The international airport and land borders have reopened and resumed operations for tourists after being closed since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The government have also announced that schools, tertiary colleges, and universities will be allowed to partially open for candidate classes and final year students this month. President Museveni said, “We think that it is safe because finalists in each learning institution are a much smaller number compared to the total enrollment. Finalists account for less than 10 percent of the total number of students and therefore each group of finalists will have more space for social distancing.” The president confirmed that non final year students won’t return to school in 2020. Places of worship have been allowed to reopen with restrictions in place. Open air sports are now allowed to take place without supporters but indoor sports and activities are still not allowed. The government have also confirmed that they will start human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine in November.
Tanzania
The government continue not to release any data related to COVID-19 with only a few restrictions in place in the country.
The Philippines
There are currently 314,079 confirmed cases of the virus with a death toll of 5,562 in the Philippines and the country now has the highest number of COVID cases in Southeast Asia. Since our last update restrictions in the country have been increased once more. President Duterte announced this week that restrictions in and around the capital region will be extended until 31st October. Members of the government’s Coronavirus task force said they could not afford to be complacent even though they want the economy to move forward. Public schools are set to reopen with virtual classes on 5th October but the president continues to insist that he will not allow face to face classes until a vaccine becomes available. West Habog Habog where we work, a barangay in Iloilo city, is currently in general community quarantine, less than a week after it was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine. In Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine people are only allowed to leave their homes to obtain essential goods. Whereas in General Community Quarantine people are allowed to move around for work and essential services.
Please do continue to pray for all the countries and communities we work in.
