Police have advised parents to keep their children at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

They said if any parent failed to do so will face penalties.

“The Office of the Inspector General of Police has observed with great concern the manner in which children are left on the highways, markets, car parks, and other public places engaged in petty trading, selling of bananas, water, groundnuts among other things.

“Most of these are school going children and therefore expected to be staying at home protected from Covid-19. This is the ultimate purpose for the closure of schools by the Ministry of Education,” police said.

“It is however sad to see many of these vulnerable children exposed to negative vices and societal ills with potential to harm their future. In certain instances, they are even involved in Road Traffic Accidents along the highways.

“The general public particularly parents are strongly advised to ensure that children stay at home and not left loitering or selling along the roads and markets.

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Parents or guardians who are found negligent will be held accountable for failure to protect children from covid-19 and related dangers.”

“The IGP’s office through its Gender and Child Protection Unit solicits the cooperation of all parents and guardians to ensure that these children are protected during this period,” police added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba