Ebola Lockdowns Extended For Another Three Weeks In Uganda

Covid-style lockdowns have been extended in Ebola-stricken Uganda as the deadly virus continues to spread.

More than 50 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak started in the central district of Mubende in mid-September.

Ebola has since spread to six other parts of the east African nation, including the capital Kampala.

Officials imposed a three-week lockdown on Mubende and neighboring Kassanda on October 15.

Restrictions were due to end on Saturday but officials extended them for another three weeks.

It means more than 400,000 people have been ordered not to leave their homes overnight or travel for personal reasons.

Markets, bars and churches have also been closed.

World Health Organization bosses say there is a high risk of Ebola spreading further and have called on neighbouring countries to boost their preparedness.

There are no drugs or vaccines proven to work against the circulating Sudan strain, which Uganda hadn’t detected since 2012.

Health Minister Ruth Jane Aceng said that the lockdown in Mubende and Kassanda ‘will be extended for another 21 days’.

She said: ‘These include a dusk-to-dawn curfew, a ban on personal travel and the closure of markets, bars and churches.

‘We urge the public to comply and remain vigilant.’