The recent spike in Covid-19 infections and deaths as well as subsequent fresh efforts to contain the situation have understandably dominated the headlines in recent days.

It is expected that the government might actually be forced to take even tougher measures, having already announced the suspension of the 2020 National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) that was due this week.

What is certain is that we are faced with unprecedented challenges and must take extraordinary, life-changing decisions.

We must all play our part to ensure we do not lose the gains we had made during the last nine months we’ve been battling the deadly virus. With the vaccines now becoming available – although they are still inaccessible to most of the world – this is not the time to give in to pandemic fatigue but rather to further roll up our sleeves and step up our vigilance to help bring the situation firmly under firm control.

News that a vaccine might be available in Rwanda in about three months should motivate us all to plug the loopholes that Covid-19 is taking advantage of. Let us all mask up whenever we are in public, diligently wash our hands frequently with soap or sanitise, and practice social distancing by observing the one-metre rule or staying away from gatherings altogether if you can.

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect themselves, their loved ones and colleagues from the virus and help the country deal with the pandemic.