Health
Government takes over COVID-19 testing services at Entebbe International airport, reduces costs to Shs. 105,000
No private laboratory will now be allowed to carry out testing at the airport as soon as the new measures come into effect, the minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomunsi has said.
This follows a decision by government to take over the COVID-19 testing for all passengers arriving at Entebbe International Airport, a decision reached at by cabinet sitting at State House on Monday this week.
Earlier, three laboratories had been accredited by the health ministry to carry out testing at the Airport. Test and Fly, Safari and Same Day laboratories were charging USD 65 (229,000 Shillings) for every test conducted.
Government has since resolved to reduce the cost to USD 30 an equivalent of 105,000 Shillings.
Now, Baryomunsi says Cabinet has resolved that no private laboratory is allowed to carry out testing at the airport as soon as the measures come into effect.
Government is changing its COVID-19 testing policy for all passengers arriving in the country to ensure that all passengers, even those from countries with low COVID-19 cases will be required to carry out a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
The policy was meant to be implemented on September 3rd 2021, but was postponed to a date that is yet to be communicated.
The Cabinet meeting on Monday also agreed to allow passenger visitors with Tourist visas to proceed to selected hotels as they await the release of their test results.
Previously, all passengers entering the country would have to wait at Peniel Beach for the test results.
