By Stuart Bogere

KIU, Main Campus - The government has launched the distribution of free face masks to Ugandan citizens over the age of 6 in the country’s border districts.

The distribution of masks was launched yesterday, June 10 by different government officials led by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Moses Ali, Hon. Jane Ruth Acheng, the minister for health, Hon. Robina Nabbanja the minister or Primary Health Care and Dr Diana Atwine the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

A total of 750,000 face masks will be distributed to communities in the border districts of Adjumani, Amuru, Kyotera and Rakai, while over 30 million face masks will be distributed countrywide.

General Ali said that the mask distribution is part of Government's interventions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and they will start with international border districts where there is the highest risk of the spread of the disease from neighbouring countries.

These masks are made up of 3 layers; the outer layer is 65% polyester and 35% cotton, the middle layer is made up of chiffon while the innermost layer is made of cotton. They are recommended by the World Health Organization and health experts.

Dr Diana Atwine urged Ugandans to continue embracing the practices of social distancing, washing hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer frequently and wearing a face mask when in public.

The country is currently standing at 679 confirmed Coronavirus cases with zero deaths.

Picture credit: ClarksvilleNow