“We understand why combined measures against COVID-19 are important” — Rubavu district’s residents

By Alexia Bizumuremyi.

Rwandan residents from Rubavu district in Western province say complementary measures to contain Covid-19 pandemic are important to return to the new normal.

They say that only few people still ignore wearing face masks but the majority of them are vaccinated with at least two doses.

Alphonse Bazirabasoma, a citizen from Gisenyi sector understands that the complementary measures are necessary to protect citizens against Covid-19.

He said however that some citizens ignore measures like face mask wearing.

“Myself I know the role and I respect the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Face mask wearing, respecting one meter distance, avoiding mass gatherings, washing hands, getting tested and vaccinated are the measures we all need to follow.” he said.

He advises his neighbors to respect the measures too.

Jean Bosco Ntamuheza, another citizen said that they are respecting the measures with the interventions of youth volunteers who help them to remain intact.

“They help people by reminding them to wash hands and wear face masks properly before entering the mass gathering places.” He said.

He said that GumaMurugo was the only very challenging measure that posed a financial crisis to the citizens.

“Today we are lucky as the measures were eased, people can do businesses and the freedom of movement is quite enough. Local authorities have also played a role to help people respect the measures. I can advise fellow citizens to keep respecting the guidelines in place.” Ntamuheza said.

Djamila Uwase, a young lady and trader from Gisenyi sector said that all the measures to contain the pandemic are vital.

She said that they are now happy as people are working at 100 percent.

“Before it was a challenge with 50 percent of people who were allowed to do commercial businesses, that time we used to have losses when we were working 13 days in a month while still paying taxes. We thank our government for easing the existing measures.” Uwase said.

Ildephonse Kambogo, the mayor of Rubavu district thanks the citizens of Rubavu district for participating in vaccination programmes, noting that 97 percent of the citizens got the first dose and about 80 percent got the second dose.

“We still have a few people who do not want to wear face masks but we keep educating them. I advise them to wear face masks, to wash hands, to keep one meter away and do their businesses freely. I am sure that we will beat the pandemic. We are here and ready to support them in case they face challenges.” Kambogo said.

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