As motorists prepare to return on roads tomorrow May 26, experts have warned about the possible danger of lifting the coronavirus induced lockdown restrictions.

“Uganda’s should not forget the dangers of the disease especially now that the country is easing the lockdown. There is no need for us to rush to normalcy. We must adjust and continue adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines. The social distancing culture must remain,” Dr Diana Atwine, permanent Secretary of the ministry of health said during an online panel discussion on Saturday, May 23.

Dr Atwine also said that lifting of the lockdown would usher the country into a second deadly phase of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Diana noted that as experts, they foresee a spike in the number of infections if the restrictions are lifted.

“It is high time we took the dangers of Covid-19 seriously. The public must remain vigilant and remove laxity because this increases the likelihood for infection among people,” Diana maintained.

According to the executive director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, there is still a need to be wary about the possible effects of lifting the lockdown.

“The lockdown has been effective, we need to work with all sectors and engage them on standard operating procedures as we ease the lockdown. It is very important that they are part of this conversation,” Prof Kaleebu said.

Similarly, Prof Pauline Byakika and epidemiologist from Makerere University School of public health noted that habits like hugging and shaking hands should be shunned by the public as the country prepares to adopt the new normal.