Can social distancing prevent the spread COVID-19 in Uganda?

Source: Petrol/CanStockPhoto

In a country where most people live hand to mouth, and most business rely on daily consumer spend, advising people to stay home isn't viable. The brutal truth about social distancing is that people will loose wages and jobs. This will change the course of their lives in a traumatic way.

We need to be able to sacrifice for each other, not only for the people who are vulnerable to Coronavirus but also to the people who maybe hurt and lose their livelihood as a result of social distancing. To some people losing their only source of survival is death in itself.

Limiting social, prayer and political gathering to only 10 people while Owino, Kikuubo, Nakasero market, Nasser road and taxi parks(the most crowded places in Uganda) remain open is counter productive and defeats the understanding of many. It's similar to leaving your clothes in the dirt to dry after washing. And am not saying that these places should be closed, just pointing to the flaws of this directive.

For now, the only practical solution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Uganda is constantly washing hands with water and soap. And avoid touching the face T-zone(eyes, nose and mouth) which is the only entry point of the virus into the body.

Basing on the turn of events am seeing, the president is likely to order a total lockdown soon. When this happens, will the government have practical solutions for the muzzukulu whose source of income has been washed to the shores?

Whatever happens, please open your eyes especially towards the politician. Most will propose an extension beyond their mandate. Don't let them exploit the situation.