Rwanda sees spike in coronavirus cases

Rwanda has seen a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases over the weekend, prompting concerns of a potential new wave of infections that may necessitate renewed lockdown measures. Dr. Jose Nyamusore from the Rwanda Biomedical Center discussed the current situation on a CNBC Africa interview. Dr. Nyamusore emphasized the importance of continuing to implement and strengthen existing COVID-19 prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the virus. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with neighboring countries and communities, as well as government decisions, in tackling the virus effectively. Despite the measures in place, there are concerns about the public's complacency towards COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing. Dr. Nyamusore urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus. When questioned about the possibility of herd immunity and the role of a potential vaccine, Dr. Nyamusore emphasized the importance of current public health measures in controlling the virus while awaiting vaccine availability. He stressed the need for continued adherence to preventive measures such as physical distancing and wearing masks. Dr. Nyamusore also addressed concerns about long-term health effects for recovered COVID-19 patients, emphasizing that COVID-19 is just one infection among many existing vulnerabilities in individuals. Research is ongoing to understand the full extent of the virus and its impact on patients' health. Overall, Rwanda remains on high alert as it navigates the challenges posed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases.