ANKARA

Experts in Uganda have warned that violations of coronavirus safety measures during ongoing election campaigns could cause a surge in infections across the country, local media reported on Tuesday.

Rallies and public gatherings have picked up pace in Uganda ahead of the January 2021 general elections.

Two politicians who were on the campaign trail have also recently died of COVID-19, further fueling fears in a country where 150 deaths and more than 16,200 infections have been recorded to date.

“We anticipate that [a virus spike] but we have not projected how high it will go. But, if the masses do not obey the SOPs, the likelihood of having a surge is high,” said Dr. Henry Kyobe, a top official in Uganda’s COVID-19 response team.

He called on all organizers to implement safety and preventive measures at campaign venues, according to a report by local daily The New Vision.

Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), warned that complacency against COVID-19 could have grave consequences for the country.

“Mass gatherings put people at risk and it is a cause for worry. Ugandans need to stick to the guidelines, because we may relax, thinking there is no COVID-19, and end up with huge numbers,” he was quoted as saying.

The experts’ call for caution comes after a similar warning by Judith Nabakooba, Uganda’s information minister, a few days ago.

At a news conference on Sunday, she said hospitals across the country are already at maximum capacity.

“We are overwhelmed by the big number of positive cases. In most hospitals, the intensive care units are full. So, we shall be handling most of these cases from their homes,” she said.

“We need to realize that COVID-19 is around, has claimed lives, and is claiming more. The hospitals cannot handle any more cases and it is becoming more expensive. The best solution is to take care of ourselves and stay safe.”