Kigali’s Central Business District has never been known for its vibrancy unlike other neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city, especially Nyamirambo or Remera. The coronavirus has made things even worse; the city looks like a ghost town apart from the occasional vehicles. While there is a respite from the absence of the crazy, unruly taximotos, a thought goes out to their operators. To many of them, they have lost their sole source of income and are now relying on handouts from the government and well-wishers. But COVID-19 has also attacked the pockets of the affluent. A night drive from the main roundabout in town past the iconic Hotel de Mille Collines, the new Ubumwe and Marriot hotels and the once jewel-in-the-crown, Serena Hotel, one understands why the hospitality industry has made urgent appeals for an emergency bailout from the government; their dark silent buildings tell the whole story. While the virus has brought the economies of many countries to their knees, some have seen an opportunity in the calamity, especially manufacturers of protective equipment such as face masks. Now that face masks have been made compulsory, let us hope they will be accessible to all and that the public will be sensitised on their proper use, not just letting them hang on their necks. Adhering with the face mask directive will not be difficult like enforcing social distancing. People might have adopted the handwashing directives and not shaking hands or hugging, but it is not uncommon to see small groups of young people enjoying their usual camaraderie and gossiping with abandon, without respecting the safe distance rule. Enforcement of all safety instructions should not be the reserve of security organs, but local leadership should also make their presence felt. This is a fight that needs everyone’s input.
