Condolence books and pens are super spreaders of Covid-19, STOP—mourners told

To curb the virus, mourners have been told to stop signing condolence and visitors’ books.

As of Thursday, 10 December 2020, Uganda has recorded 25,730 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 220 deaths.

Lira—10, December 2020: The Ministry of Health has warned public and mourners (bereaved families) against signing condolence and visitors’ books at funeral events.

In his letter dated 10, December 2020, Dr Henry G. Mwebesa, the Director General Health Services guides: “The Ministry of Health strongly advises all bereaved families and funeral service companies to STOP giving Condolence Books at homes or other places of mourning for mourners to sign in.”

“Evidence has shown that the Coronavirus lasts on surfaces such as paper for up to 5 days and therefore the condolence books and pens are a super spreader of the virus,” Dr Henry adds, in his statement.

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The Ministry, he says, would strongly urge the public to stop signing condolence and visitors books during funerals and other events in order to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 among the communities.

As of Thursday, 10 December 2020, Uganda had recorded 25,730 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 220 deaths. The Thursday total cases included Wednesday’s 671 new cases and one (1) death.

Also, 666,328 cumulative samples have been tested since March this year, with 9,605 total recoveries.