Omicron Variant on rampage, be vigilant during the festive season - Ministry of Health warns
The omicron variant that appears to have a shorter incubation period and affecting both infants and adults, is said to have originated from Southern Africa
Kimera Abdul 
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Due to the rising cases of omicron covid 19 variant in Uganda, the health ministry has advised the public to remain vigilant and maintain the highest level of adherence during the festive season.
On 17th December, the health ministry through the director general health services Dr. Mwebesa Henry while updating the nation on Omicron variant said omicron related cases have lately increased to 25 from the 7 cases a day adding that are imported cases.
He added that countries like South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria according to the genomic sequencing samples obtained between 28th and 29th November at Entebbe airport have caused the surging numbers of cases as per the laboratory findings.
Entebbe international airport on 27th October 2021 started mandatory testing of all incoming passengers, but the daily average number of positive cases has since increased from 6 to 90 cases in the past days including the confirmed omicron cases.
However, as majority of these new cases are under home isolation in Kampala and Wakiso districts, the ministry has not yet confirmed any secondary cases, changes in severity of the illness amongst the confirmed cases or any shift in transmissions locally.
In light with the increased cases of omicron variant, the ministry has accelerated covid 19 vaccination as it is also intensifying mandatory testing and following up positive cases for all incoming travelers at the five major points of entry which are Malaba, Elegu, Busia, Mutukula and Mpondwe plus building adequate capacity to take over testing which is initially done by the private sector.
In addition to that, the ministry is working hand in hand with the regional and national authorities in South Africa to understand the variant better and to ensure optimal response and its control.
The omicron variant that appears to have a shorter incubation period and affecting both infants and adults, is said to have originated from Southern Africa due to the specimens collected by the world health organization.
The variant that was first reported on November 24th has now been detected in more than 70 countries across the globe as scientists world wide are still studying its mutations.
