Epidemics Tracker

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The continued closure of bars by the government is posing more health risks to Ugandans as a number of bar operators have decided to operate illegally, according to the beverage distributors. The distributors and wholesalers of the alcoholic drinks say that many bar owners have …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are not reliable in clinically diagnosing the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has found. Dr. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Executive Director of UVRI told a meeting of COVID-19 researchers on Wednesday that they have screened more than 20 …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Medics treating COVID-19 patients and those carrying out testing of samples want the government to introduce alternative tests for COVID-19. Currently, the government recommends the use of PCR tests as the best way to determine whether someone has COVID-19 or not. The tests are estimated …

Mainz, Germany | THE INDEPENDENT | Drug companies Pfizer and BioNTech have conclude Phase 3 Study of their COVID-19 Vaccine candidate BNT162b2 , whose primary efficacy analysis demonstrates it to be 95% effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose. According to a statement, efficacy was consistent across …

Kabarole, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT | The number of people with COVID-19 in Kabarole has increased to 23, leaving the district task force with no option other than resorting to home-based management. Brian Kisembo, the COVID-19 Incident Manager in Kabarole, says that so far, five of the cases are admitted at …

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  The search for a COVID-19 vaccine might be coming to an end with news that Moderna’s  vaccine shows to be 95 percent effective in protecting one against COVID-19. According to data released by the biotechnology firm today, phase three clinical trials that were carried out …

A key difference is that the Pfizer/BioNTech candidate must be stored at –70°C, whereas Moderna’s can be kept at –20°C Jon Cohen | SCIENCEMAG.ORG |  Now, there are two. Another COVID-19 vaccine using the same previously unproven technology as the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech – the U.S. and German …

Masaka, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  At least 45 students from two schools in Masaka district have tested positive for the Coronavirus disease-COVI19.  The affected students are mainly from the boarding section. Dr. Nathan Onyach, the Director- Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, says the students are admitted at the COVID-19 Treatment Centre. Onyach says the …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Mourners for the late Teso Coach proprietor, Faustine Etilu have launched a fundraising drive to save COVID-19 patients at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. The campaign is meant to raise funds for the repair and connection of a standby generator to the oxygen plant at the …

  New York, USA | XINHUA |  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Friday refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim about New York state’s preparation for COVID-19 vaccination, saying it “untrue.” “What the president says is just untrue. … We trust the drug companies,” Cuomo told CNN’s Situation Room. A …