The first imported COVID-19 case in Uganda was confirmed on 21 March 2020, with locally-acquired cases detected by the end of March. See the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website for more: https://www.health.go.ug/covid/

FSD is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely - please see the COVID-19 pages on International SOS Pandemic Information website for updated info: https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov

COVID-19 transmission is from person to person through contact with particles expelled into the air by an infected person when talking, coughing or sneezing. Other people can inhale these particles and become infected. They may also become infected by touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces.

Most people will develop mild to moderate illness only which lasts up to two weeks. Symptoms vary greatly but the main symptoms are a high fever, cough, and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. Other common symptoms include fatigue, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulty. Some people may continue to have symptoms that last four weeks or months after the initial infection has gone. Older people and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe disease and death.

• Vaccine: Interns are expected to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible to do so, however, exceptions can be made in case of reasonable explanation.
• Avoid potential exposure to infection: Reduce time around crowds, indoor public places, and people who are obviously unwell or coughing and sneezing.
• Distance yourself from infection: During your stay in Uganda, FSD will support you in trying to stay 2 meters away from other people and in wearing a mask in public or enclosed spaces. 
• Sanitation: Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, preparing food or touching your face, after using the restroom and when leaving a public place.
• Testing: In case of COVID-19 related symptoms, as described above, rapid antigen testing is available at FSD headquarters, and further testing is available at nearby private facilities.
• Treatment: FSD will ensure that treatment for COVID-19 symptoms is provided in case of infection. In case of severe illness, the intern will be assisted in the evacuation of the site.

• In case of symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the first person to contact should be the Program Director (PD). The PD can be reached after hours, weekends, and holidays at her mobile phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• If unable to reach the PD, the student should contact one of the Program Coordinators (PCs) or host family mothers who can easily locate the PD or PC to start the process
• Start with rapid antigen testing available at FSD headquarters.
• If the student tests positive with the rapid antigen, further testing and management at our recommended health facility,  KAMU Medical Centre in Jinja.  KAMU Medical Centre specializes in treating foreigners.  Our contact Dr. is Charles Kalumuna and is reachable on the phone and other platforms 24/7.
• The student can choose to directly contact Dr. Charles Kalumuna on phone for medical advice
•  FSD then follows the recommended treatment and advice from the doctors.

2. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, what is the self-isolation/quarantine protocol?

• The student is moved out of the host Family and placed in a single room at Nile Hotel.  
• Quarantine facilities are a must: have ventilated, spacious single rooms with en suite facilities (that is, hand hygiene and toilet facilities).
• A program coordinator is assigned to monitor the Student’s situation by ensuring that the student gets enough exercise, nutritious foods and the necessary psychosocial support.
• Quarantine for students exposed or potentially exposed to COVID-19 lasts 14 days. The days begin being counted from the date of the last exposure to the confirmed case. 
• Affected students are educated/oriented on infection control at the time of admission. 
• Have to report their health status to the medical team daily or any time of the day they fill unwell 
•  Be available to receive either a phone call or a visit every day, cooperate with the medical team at any time. 
•  Have a single, healthy, dedicated person to provide the students with food and remove their trays where possible 
•  Receive appropriate medical care in a quarantine setting 
• Have to observe the rules and guidelines set by the hotel management 
• Communicate any welfare concern to FSD and the management
• Psychosocial support to students at least twice a week
• Have access to the Internet, news, and entertainment. 

•  Have a single, healthy, dedicated person from the Hotel providing the students with food and removing their trays where possible 
• Each student receives a minimum of three meals a day, and adequate safe drinking water. 

4. What is the academic continuity protocol if a student must self-isolate/quarantine

• The student continues with her/his internship virtually

5. If a student is hospitalized for COVID-19, what support if any, would you offer?

•  We identify a qualified attendant (recommended by a hospital)   or a member of the student’s host family to attend to the   student.  Assigned one of the FSD coordinators to closely   monitor the student’s progress and ensure that every detail is   observed and implemented.

6. Please provide any additional useful links or commentary about protocols related to students exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or students testing positive for COVID-19.

• The protocol is provided in question one above.  Here are a couple of links: https://www.health.go.ug/covid/    https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov

7. Mask requirement

• Yes, they are required.

8. Accommodations

   a) Covid-19 requirements and protocols for homestays? 

• Interns have to be fully vaccinated
• Must have had a NEGATIVE COVID TEST within the last three days before they arrive at the house.
• The Household members must be fully vaccinated

    b) How many students per room?

• One student per room

9. If students are required to return home for any reasons related to Covid, could they complete the projects virtually? 

• Yes