Uganda Ministry of Health has stopped the mandatory Covid-19 tests for all incoming travelers through Entebbe International Airport upon arrival with effect from February 16, 2021. This has followed the cabinet decision on February 14, 2022.
The suspension of the testing undertaking follows the decline in the positive results identified at Entebbe Airport.
And the decline in the global space threat of the new variants of concern (VoC) reduces the risk of importation of the VoC that will increase community transmission.
“However, the requirement for the Covid-19 testing of 72 hours before boarding for both incoming and exiting travelers remains in effect. Our health workers will continue to screen all travelers both at arrival and departure and verify their Covid-19 testing certificates”. Said Dr. Henry Mwebesa.
This has come shortly after the health ministry had confirmed that now Uganda is free of the new omicron variant of Covid-19, declaring that the country is today is at 1% of the variant contraction which is a great reduction since the new variant was detected in the late of December.
Uganda has placed mandatory covid-19 testing at all its points and the testing cost US$30, in addition to either a certificate of vaccination or mandatory 72 hours tests from accredited labs from the country of origin.
Uganda in October last year had strategized to start mandatory Covid-19 testing to detect and curb the possible importation of deadly omicron variant which was spreading almost 40 times more than the recent variant.
PRESS RELEASE: The @MinofHealthUG has stopped the mandatory COVID-19 testing of all incoming travellers at Entebbe International Airport with effect from today, 16 February 2022. pic.twitter.com/NwQgPEkKVD
— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) February 16, 2022
