Ebola: IGP Ochola tips police
The Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola, has warned police officers to observe safety guidelines at police stations in the face of rising cases of the Ebola Virus Disease.
Latest statistics from the Ministry of Health, indicate that 34 cases, including 16 confirmed and 18 probable cases, have been reported and 21 cumulative deaths have occurred (4 confirmed, 17 probable).
Ochola has given a set of guidelines to police stations, advising police officers to be extra cautious during policing duties as well as observing locals in the community.
While delivering his message, Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga tasked all territorial Commanders to be on the lookout for any signs and symptoms of Ebola among them or in police cells.
He has called for general hygiene at police stations, no physical contact, disinfecting facilities at police posts and social distancing among others.
Last week, the Ministry of Health announced the outbreak of Ebola Sudan strain, a haemorrhagic fever whose symptoms include intense body weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and rashes among others.
The current outbreak started in Mubende district in early September, according to local authorities.
The first casualty was a 24-year old man who died earlier last week.
The World Health Organisation says the Ebola Sudan strain is less transmissible and has shown a lower fatality rate in previous outbreaks than Ebola Zaire, a strain that killed nearly 2,300 people in the 2018-2020 epidemic in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ebola: IGP Ochola tips police
The guidelines from the IGP include ;
– Practice proper hand hygiene by promptly washing or sanitising hands after coughing, sneezing or physically interacting with others.
– Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose and mouth).
– Cover your mouth and nose- with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
– Avoid close physical contact with others, including shaking hands or hugging.
– Avoid sharing items like clothes, shoes etc which can carry body fluids.
– Maintain at least a 6 ft distance between your self and anyone who is coughing, sneezing or talking, when possible. This measure on social distance MUST cut across all offices, the police counter or reception, police cells and transportation.
– Promptly disinfect your gear, including your duty belt, after physical contact with any individual.
– Keep disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers in an easily accessible place while on duty.
– Use of referrals of LC5, elders and other community leaders, for minor cases.
– Seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or difficulty in breathing.
– Consider sanitising items you frequently touch like phones, laptop and folders/clipboards.
– All patrol cars should be regularly sanitised at the steering wheel, gear shift, dispatch radio module, door handles and edges.
– Consider restricting unnecessary movements to burials, weddings, markets and other congested places. Controlled movements are very crucial.
Compiled by Minah Nalule
