The East African Community intensify efforts in the fight against COVID-19 as SGA Security calls for vigilance

Coronavirus

The East African Community intensify efforts in the fight against COVID-19 as SGA Security calls for vigilance

 

The surge of COVID-19 has led the governments across East Africa to put stringent measures to curb its spread. As of Friday March 27, 2020, Uganda had recorded 18 cases of patients who tested positive with COVID-19, Kenya recorded 29 cases while Tanzania has 13 cases and Rwanda with 50 cases.

With the coronavirus spreading fast, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat continue to intensify efforts by deploying mobile laboratories and testing kits as respective regional ministers for health deliberate on other ways in controlling and reducing the spread.

Some of the measures that have been undertaken by countries include the closures of all schools, religious institutions and all social gatherings. Kenya has gone further to announce a night curfew starting Friday, March 27th.  

Early this week, it was reported that the Kenya-Uganda border at Busia and Malaba borders were closed to human traffic for one month over coronavirus fears, where only heavy commercial vehicles with a driver and turn-boy would be allowed to cross into either countries. Similar restrictions are also applied to the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga.

Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan and Burundi have suspended international flights, with Burundi going the extra mile by suspending even domestic flights.

As we continue to receive advise from medical professionals and the Ministries of health on personal preventative measures in controlling the spread of covid-19, we should also be alert of your surroundings where cases of crimes of opportunity may arise.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

  • Keep your phone and wallet safe from pickpockets.
  • Workplace break-ins: ensure tight safety and security of the physical assets at workplace whilst most people work from home.
  • Residential burglaries: keep doors and gates are locked at all times.
  • Children’s safety: Teach children about the spread of coronavirus, how to prevent it by frequently washing their hands with soap and water, social distancing and the need to engage in other useful activities rather than playing with their peers.
  • Make use of the internet: Make use of mobile phones and internet to study and learn new things.
  • Minimize home visits. Avoid allowing strangers to your home, who could be imposters saying they are from the Ministry of Health instructed to fumigate your home.
  • Keep up to date with news from accredited media houses.
  • Avoid sharing unverified information on social media platforms that could be alarmist and could cause panic.

 

STAY AWARE

  • Subscribe to SGA information feed
  • Monitor police alerts and advisories
  • Have Covid-19 emergency number and
  • Know your emergency response in the area (Police, fire rescue and hospital)
  • Ensure all your doors are sturdy and can resist forced entry
  • Windows and panes: ensure they are closed and reinforced with grills where possible
  • Install proper intruder detection

 

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

  • Refill your gas cylinders
  • Fuel your cars/ generators to the brim
  • Have candles and flashlights in case of power outage
  • Store enough water in tanks
  • Stock 30-days’ worth on non-perishable food
  • Restock your first aid kit
  • Know and note down all emergency numbers

 

STAY FIT

  • Use a jumping rope
  • Do sit-ups, push-ups or climb stairs
  • Yoga workouts can help you keep your back and joints healthy

 

#SecurityMatters

#StaySafe