EATUC Comprehensive Assessment Report – COVID-19

As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, the number of confirmed cases in the East African region is rising, with a significant number of deaths reported in some EAC Partner States. As of November 24th, 2020, the EAC had recorded the following confirmed cases: Uganda with 96,703 cases, including 16,257 active cases and 150 deaths; Kenya with 70,804 confirmed cases, 46,244 recoveries, and 1,287 deaths; Rwanda with 5,491 confirmed cases, 5,004 recoveries, and 45 deaths; Burundi with 630 cases, 549 recoveries, and 1 death; South Sudan with 3,012 confirmed cases, 1,290 recoveries, and 59 deaths; and Tanzania, which last reported cases in May with 509 confirmed cases, 183 recoveries, and 21 deaths. Hundreds of people in the region remain under observation, with more contacts being traced in affected areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the economies of the East African Community (EAC), both directly and indirectly, due to the measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus. With travel being a primary means of transmission, strict measures were imposed, including the closure of airports and borders, curfews, social distancing, reduced movement, and lockdowns. The closure of businesses has led to the near collapse of several industries, including air travel, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, manufacturing, trade, cargo and passenger transport, logistics, banking, and other financial services. The result has been widespread unemployment, food insecurity, and economic slowdown, with the risk of a complete economic collapse if the situation is not addressed.

The East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) continues to take strong action in response to the pandemic. Trade union members and citizens in East Africa play a crucial role in managing the spread of the virus and are contributing significantly to minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in the region.