Panic has engulfed Kyambogo University after a second coronavirus case was registered at the institute. The latest patient is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) course.
Last week, the student developed COVID-19 signs and reported to the university medical centre where she was advised to go for a COVID-19 test at Makerere University, where she tested positive.
She is now receiving treatment at Namboole COVID-19 treatment facility. Two other students who have been staying with her in Northern Hall, a university hall of residence have been quarantined.
Students are currently sitting their end of semester two exams which kicked off on November 16 and are scheduled to end next month. A few weeks back, the office of the dean of faculty of vocational studies was closed after one of the staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Patrick Labongo a final year student says that they are urging the students to be cautious about the disease and follow the SOPs put in place.
"This time around it is personal. You just [feel] a force in you that forces you to come out to be on the safe side. This time around there is no need to be forced because now we have seen what we have been just hearing. This time around you have to wake up otherwise we’re scared," said Labongo.
Likewise Lillian Nabaasa, another student said: "We’re all scared, you can see how we’re covering ourselves. It has not been like this, we have been just putting masks on the chin but this time we’re scared into even thinking that Covid can pass even through ears. Of course, they have also started, if you see them there have been some changes. People have been putting masks down the mouth and were not covering their nose but this time people are covering their nose. It is now serious, if you’re not serious you might end up not even finishing exams."
Dr Odette Niyisabwa Tumwesigye the head of the department of community and disability studies says that they could not halt the examination exercise given the fact that they have limited time. Dr Tumwesigye explains that it is impossible to trace the contacts of the patient since she has been mixing with many other students.
Last week, Kyambogo university vice chancellor Prof Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya through a voice note warned students against violating the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On Tuesday the ministry of Health announced 5 more COVID-19 deaths and 241 new cases countrywide. As of November 24, the total cumulative confirmed cases stand at 18,406 while total coronavirus deaths are now 186.