The Opposition in Parliament has tasked the government to undertake necessary measures to detect and prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.
The new Covid-19 variant is reported to have originated in South Africa and spread to different countries and it has also been detected in Australia, Canada, Germany, and others as different countries have since closed their borders on travelers from South African countries.
The opposition’s call is carried in a statement presented to parliament by the Shadow Minister of Health, Timothy Batuwa Lusala.
Among the interventions proposed, the leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga suggested the formation of a joint East African Community Taskforce to develop a common approach towards handling the variant.
The Opposition also noted that while the vaccination campaign has been intensified in urban areas, the effort is not commensurate in rural areas.
In response, Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa said that the government resolved not to make any hurried reactions to the matter as steps are being taken and it would be informed by science and consultations and that a comprehensive statement would be provided to Parliament on Thursday.
Deputy Speaker Anita Among said that a debate on the matter would commence on Thursday when a government statement is presented.
