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Uganda reports 154 new COVID-19 cases as death toll rises to 71

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FILE PHOTO: A health worker collects swab samples from a truck driver to be tested for coronavirus at the Elegu border point. (Photo by Sally Hayden/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Uganda’s Ministry of Health on Friday reported 154 new confirmed coronavirus cases raising the nationwide caseload to 7,218.

Of the 154 cases, 135 were contacts and alerts while 19 were returnees, all from Saudi Arabia.

The capital Kampala recorded the highest numbers of the 135 contacts and alerts with a total of 45 cases followed by Amudat (22), Mukono (20), Mbale (10).

The ministry also reported 385 new recoveries and one more death raising those respective totals to 3,611 and 71.

Over the last few weeks, Uganda has recorded a steady rise in COVID-19 cases prompting authorities to remind the public to adhere to health regulations or else face a reinstatement of strict measures to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The East African country has reported at least 110 confirmed coronavirus cases for the last 12 straight days; this included a new record highest daily increase in cases. The number of cases in this period accounts for a third of Uganda’s total number of cases.

Despite this trend, President Yoweri Museveni recently announced a further easing of COVID-19-related restrictions in the country.

Museveni said the country could not perpetually remain under restrictions as he cited the deterioration of the economy.

Prior to this, the Ugandan government had begun easing restrictions in May.

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