KAMPALA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's ministry of health on Monday reported 21 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total in the country to 248.
Director General of Health Services Henry Mwebesa said that out of 1,071 samples collected from cross-border truck drivers on Sunday, 21 Ugandans tested positive for the virus.
"All 253 community samples tested negative for COVID-19," Mwebesa said in a statement.
Uganda now requires all truck drivers to undergo COVID-19 testing at its land borders.
"Foreign truck drivers who test positive for COVID-19 are advised to return to their place of origin for treatment while Ugandan truck drivers will be admitted at the various hospitals for treatment," Mwebesa said.
Previously, Uganda allowed truck drivers to proceed with their journey after their samples were taken. When the results turned positive, the truck driver would be followed up.
Out of the 248 confirmed COVID-19 cases, at least 63 have recovered and no one has died from the respiratory disease, according to the ministry. Enditem
