Surveillance Heightened At Kenya-Uganda Border Amidst Concerns Of Omicron Variant Spread

BUSIA, Kenya, Dec 9 – Health officials at the border of Kenya and Uganda have heightened surveillance, after cases of Omicron variant of the COVID-19 disease were reported in Uganda.

Uganda has in recent days reported at least 7 positive cases of the highly infectious variant.

Malala Port Health Manager Kibii Tarus says people from the greater lake region entering Kenya must be subjected to intensified protocols before being granted entry.

“We have heightened our preparedness and surveillance along our border following the guidelines we have received from the Ministry of Health,” he said.

More than 40 countries worldwide have reported the Omicron variant sparking fears of another deadly wave of infections.

“All travelers coming into our country at the screening point must observe the social distance, wear face masks, and sanitize. Those traveling to our country must also be vaccinated with certificates as well as PCR COVID-19 negative results which should have been conducted within 96 hours,” he said.

As of December 7, 2021, a total of 7,787,262 vaccines had so far been administered across the country. Of these, 4,724,235 were partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated were 3,055,726. 

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has encouraged Kenyans to get vaccinated amidst a government ultimatum on December 21, 2021, that will require Kenyans to provide proof of vaccination in order to obtain government services, visit restaurants and hotels as well as travel using public transpiration.

The African Union on Tuesday called for an urgent end to travel restrictions imposed on some of its member states, saying the measures effectively penalize governments for timely data sharing in line with international health regulations.

The measures act, the AU in a statement said “as a disincentive for information sharing in the future, potentially posing a threat to health security on the continent and globally.”

Late last month, European Union states, the United States, and Britain, among other nations such as Israel, imposed travel curbs on seven southern African countries after they reported several cases of the Omicron variant, which is considered highly infectious.