The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the reopening of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) popularly known as Entebbe Zoo, in a bid to encourage more tourists into the country and rejuvenate Uganda’s tourism sector.
As a way of ensuring the safety of all visitors to Entebbe Zoo, UWEC has put in place Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be followed by all visitors so as to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement released last week, UWEC announced that;
Shortly after issuing the announcement, the UWEC Management team tweeted that; “The government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, unveiled the #COVID19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tourism enterprises.”
The SOPs are aimed at;
- Ensuring coherence through a coordinated and transparent approach, supported by medical evidence, within the Tourism sector.
- Sharing harmonized and consistent protocols which are outcome-driven and practical across destinations.
- Rebuilding trust and confidence among travelers through effective communication and marketing; letting them know the protocols implemented and assurances available to keep them safe.
- Advocating for the implementation of enabling policies to support the recovery and demand regeneration for the Tourism sector.
The SOPs put in place include;
Social Distancing
Social distancing includes refraining from hugging & shaking hands with guests as well as among fellow staff. It involves maintaining a distance of at least 2m and avoiding anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Hand Washing
Hand hygiene means regularly and thoroughly cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water. Also avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. Hand disinfection is indicated after exchanging objects (money, credit cards) with guests.
Respiratory Hygiene
Respiratory etiquette means covering mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. The used tissue should be disposed of immediately in a bin with a lid.
Disinfection
All indoor areas such as entrance lobbies, corridors, and staircases, escalators, elevators, security guard booths, office rooms, meeting rooms, cafeteria should be mopped with a disinfectant (1% sodium hypochlorite or phenolic disinfectants).
For metallic surfaces like door handles, security locks, keys, etc. 70% alcohol can be used to wipe down surfaces where the use of bleach is not suitable.
Health and Safety Communication
Communication should be maintained between Management and staff in charge of the different departments in order to pre-define an information policy for guests as well as to rapidly provide and obtain information on incidents that may arise in the establishment and to know the status of the situation at all times.
