He also said whereas government will distribute free masks to all Ugandans aged six years and above, others are free to buy their own facemasks.

Dr Aceng recommended that facemasks should preferably be made of cotton fabrics and have filters that they can wash or replace after use.

Dr Julius Lutwama, a virologist at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, said one has to change their facemasks at least three times a day, especially those working from public places such as markets, since the mask lets in tiny particles due to moist from saliva.

Dr Aceng said there is a shortage of fabric masks, especially N95, and urged Ugandans to reserve them for health workers.

A person wearing a mask needs to stay two metres away from other people while in public because coronavirus can still go through the eyes and touching other surfaces.