KAMPALA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday extended the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown for another 14 days, while easing some of the 35 restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.
Museveni in a televised address said the lockdown will now expire in two weeks instead of the earlier announced May 5.
"We must therefore, basing ourselves on the limited preparations, start slowly and carefully to open up without undoing our gains so far in fighting COVID-19," said Museveni.
He said wholesalers, hardware shops and warehouses will be allowed to open, but must observe social distancing principles of two meters and use of masks.
"Since cargo trucks are moving, they need mechanics. We shall allow opening of repair workshops and garages," said Museveni.
"Metal and woodwork shops will be open. Insurance providers will be added to the list of essential services," he said.
He said Uganda Law Society; an umbrella organization of lawyers in the country will be allowed to have 30 lawyers at any one time to handle urgent matters.
Restaurants will be allowed to operate, but only to provide take-away meals, according to the partial lifting of restrictions.
The movement of private and public vehicles transport will remain shut in the east African country, except for essential service providers, ambulances and security forces.
"We have not yet thought it wise to allow either public or private transport to move ... cycling to work is advised and walking too," said Museveni.
The borders and airport will remain closed. Schools, universities, places of worship will also remain closed and public gatherings banned.
"The curve of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda is quite flat. This means we have somehow tamed the virus although we can't say that we have eliminated it," said Museveni.
So far, Uganda has confirmed 89 coronavirus cases, with 55 recoveries since the outbreak was announced on March 21. Enditem
