President Kagame on Coronavirus: Panic doesn’t help. We will overcome

President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandans to focus on effective measures as issued by the health professionals to avoid further spread of coronavirus in Rwanda.

The head of state tweeted this following the first Covid-19 case confirmed in Rwanda this Saturday by the Ministry of Health.

“Rwanda has registered its first #COVID19 case. As emphasized by others, panic in this situation does not help. Focus and simple but effective measures are key to keeping each other and everyone safe,” President Kagame tweeted

He added, “Washing hands frequently, avoiding handshakes, practicing social distancing of at least 1m away from people, among others. We urge everyone to follow the health guidelines (supported by science and best management practices),”

According to the Ministry of Health, the reported case of Coronavirus in Rwanda is an Indian citizen who arrived from Mumbai, India, on March 8.

In an interview with RBA, the Minister of Health Dr Daniel Ngamije said the patient had no symptoms of the virus on arrival in Rwanda. However, the said individual felt unwell in the following days before visiting Kibagaba Hospital for medical care from where he tested positive of COVID-19.

"He was immediately taken to a medical facility specially established for coronavirus patients. He is under quarantine together with his wife and household worker," Minister Ngamije told RBA.

The minister noted that the patient is under treatment in stable condition, isolated from other patients, as the authorities continue to trace all his contacts for further management.

President Kagame said. “As always, we will overcome these difficult times through solidarity and working together. This will require the discipline Rwandans have always shown in confronting challenges and getting good results,”

The head of state also added: “As the world faces the #COVID19 pandemic, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and their loved ones. We wish strength to the health workers on the frontlines & quick recovery to all patients.”

President Kagame also thanked Director General of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and World Health Organization WHO for his leadership: "in these trying times”