Rwanda now accepts hosting events with a controlled capacity. This week, Kigali successfully hosted an in-person continental agriculture conference, in adherence with the Covid-19 guidelines that included social distancing and wearing of masks. While there was a virtual component, all in-person attendees were required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to attendance. While the mandatory testing is limited to occasions like conferences, weddings and travelers, Rwanda has set up centers for people to test. It is important that the public embraces the habit of testing. It is through widespread testing, that scientists can determine where the virus is spreading and put in efforts to control it. At the moment, voluntary testing is costly and not everyone can afford it. For now, those who can, should take the tests and know their status. Fortunately, there are advances in more affordable testing methods, and hopefully, these kits will soon be available for the general public. Once more affordable testing is available, and more people are testing for the coronavirus, the battle against the virus will be less difficult. And once controllable, then we can look to return to some kind of normalcy, including getting children back to school. Both the test positivity rate and the deaths are still well under one percent, however, with Covid-19, there is absolutely no room for complacency. At the moment, the least we can do is follow the advice of the scientists, especially social distancing, washing hands and properly wearing masks.
