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.
The Lira City COVID-19 Task Force has given 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 and among others.
Although the health team have 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 Task Force meeting held on Thursday, Lawrence Egole,
the Resident City Commissioner who is the chairperson of the Covid-19 task force
said that the public places have been given three days to put in place the
SOPs.
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Egole noted that people in Lango have developed a wrong perception
about wearing face masks.
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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.
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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.
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Joe Otim a resident of Lira City blamed the Taskforce for failing
to enforce the SOPs. Otim asked the task force to strengthen their operations
and ensure that people adhere to the SOPs instead of closing their businesses.
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As of Thursday, Lira Treatment centre had 30 patients out of whom
13 are critically ill.