A new study by scientists at Makerere University College of Natural Sciences has recommended that government extends the Covid-19 lockdown up to October.

The scientists said rushing to release more than 75 per cent of the population from lockdown before the said time would cost the country more than 10,000 infections, something that is unmanageable given the fragile health system.

with 3,200 hospital beds and not all are ICU-like in capacity, releasing more Ugandans within the 100 days, means the pressure on the health facilities would be overwhelming in case of new infections," wrote the scientists.

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The scientists also indicated that Covid-19 infections can be contained if imported cases are restricted.

Other key findings

On the impact of the lockdown, the scientists said: "In the ideal situation of maintaining only 10 per cent of susceptible population available, the hospitalisation requirements would be close to 1,000 beds by 100 days after reporting the first case."