Strong gains made in Rwanda’s Covid vaccination efforts over the last few months have sparked hope for a return to normalcy amid falling new infections. With notable declines in new Covid cases has come further easing of restrictions, allowing for reopening of many businesses and extension of working hours. The development comes as the country steps up its vaccination campaign both in the City of Kigali, where about 90 per cent of all adults have been jabbed, and elsewhere in the country, where health authorities are heightening attention. In particular, fatality rates have fallen in recent days, with zero mortality rates recorded in four out of eight days until Sunday, the first time a day passed without new confirmed Covid deaths in three months. In addition, the national positivity rate has been limited to 1 per cent or under over the last one week, with infections in the City of Kigali going down significantly. Yet, the virus remains a threat to public health and the economy as well as social life. This is why everyone should continue to exercise precaution even as they go about their business. While the rate of Covid vaccine uptake in Rwanda has been impressive – reflecting traditional trends with regard to vaccine compliance in the country – and the vaccines have proven to be the most effective tool against the pandemic, we should not relax on our laurels because the war remains alive. As we have seen before, whenever we’ve seemed to gain an upper hand over the virus, we’ve unfortunately time tended to throw caution to the wind and ended up paying a heavy price. And, with bars, the gaming industry and entertainment spots re-opening, workplaces and public transport returning to normal capacity, as well as reduced curfew hours, any slight lapse in precautions against coronavirus could easily lead to another cycle of virus surge. Yes, vaccines are key to the fight against the pandemic, but they are not enough. We must all continue to observe Covid standard operating procedures to preserve the gains from the vaccines and save lives as well as the healthcare system and the economy.
