The police in Lira City have intensified enforcement of the covid-19 guidelines. The one week operation which started on Monday was carried out by the police and members of the covid-19 task force.
More than 70 people were arrested for not wearing face masks and later released with a caution.
The heightened enforcement stemmed from last week’s task force resolution which resolved that people not adhering to the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures- SOPs will be arrested and charged under the Public Health Act.
Lawrence Egole, the Lira City Resident Commissioner says that the operation follows a public outcry and increasing cases of positive COVID-19 cases due to the laxity in observing social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands in congested places.
Paul Eseru, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner says that the enforcement shall continue.
On Tuesday night, Atin Pacu, Felister and Real buses that was carrying passengers from Kampala was impounded were detained at Amuca, the entry point to Lira City for violating curfew time.
Geoffrey Odida a chicken vendor along Obote Avenue says that the operation is timely.
He applauds the security and task forces saying it will help in the fight against the spread of covid-19 because people had started flouting the guidelines.
Vendors at Lira main market are also adhering to the SOPs for fear of closure of the market. Handwashing facilities have been erected at all entrances and exits of the market.
Lira District has registered 160 covid-19 cases with 134 under home based care.