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Lira, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Lira city Covid-19 taskforce has given a three days ultimatum to public places to adhere to standard operating procedures or risk being closed.
The places include the Lira produce lane, the main market, bus and taxi parks, other small markets, among others.
Although the health team has undertaken several measures like deploying teams to enhance surveillance, an increased supply of Personal Protective Equipment-PPEs, and sensitizing communities, residents of Lira city especially those in markets and other open places have abandoned the SOPs.
At Lira main market, hand washing points have been installed at all main entrances but lack water, the traders and other people accessing the market do not wear masks. The situation is similar in other places like shops and supermarkets and the parks.
During the taskforce meeting held on Thursday, Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner who is the chairperson of the Covid-19 taskforce said that the public places have been given three days to put in place the SOPs.
Egole noted that people in Lango have developed a wrong perception about wearing face masks.
Sophie Anume, a produce dealer at the produce lane admits that people have stopped observing the SOPs. She asked the vendors to follow the SOPs to avoid losing out on their business when they are closed.
Bob Omara, a graphics designer in Lira city says locking down the city is a negative move that will disrupt a business that has just picked up. He believes that the public should be sensitized to adhere to the SOPs. He says that many people stopped adhering to the guidelines after they were vaccinated.
Joe Otim, a resident of Lira city blamed the taskforce for failing to enforce the SOPs. Otim asked the taskforce to strengthen their operations and ensure that people adhere to the SOPs instead of closing their businesses.
As of Thursday, Lira treatment centre had 30 patients out of whom 13 were critically ill.
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