To date, 633 cases of Coronavirus and 17 deaths have been recorded in Africa. Rwanda, until Thursday March 19th, had confirmed 11 cases.

As the virus spreads, fear, panic and unverified information spread even faster. 

When the first case was confirmed, the Government of Rwanda called for the public to avoid panic and follow preventive instructions given by credible institutions. 

To discourage rumors that spread with the virus, the World Health Organization urges people to check with credible sources of information.

The New Times selected some reliable local sources to check for information and updates about COVID-19 .

Ministry of Health

On both its official social media handles and website, the Ministry of Health keeps heads-up on what comes up about Coronavirus. It issues official statements, updates and all the necessary information needed about the pandemic. Here are links to actual handles:  Information is published in the three official languages - Kinyarwanda, French and English. 

Website: moh.gov.rw

Twitter: @RwandaHealth

Facebook: @rwandahealth 

Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC)

RBC is the nation's central health implementation agency. On its website, there is a "Find Out More” button with information about the pandemic. The website also has constant updates since March 14th when the first case got confirmed. 

Website: rbc.gov.rw

Twitter: @RBCRwanda

Facebook: @rbcrwanda

World Health Organisation, Rwanda and International

WHO has a specific category on COVID 19 outbreak that gives basic information and provides daily updates on the pandemic. On their website, your questions can be answered, you can obtain advice, access reports and research papers about the pandemic, to mention but a few. For local information, WHO Rwanda is also a good source.

Website: who.int

Twitter: @WHO

Facebook: @WHO

Media Houses

On both the public radio and television updates on COVID 19 are frequently aired. At The New Times, a particular category for COVID 19 consists of everything you need to know about the situation in Rwanda and abroad. You can also get information on social media platforms of the above media outlets. 

Twitter handles: @rbarwanda @NewTimesRwanda 

Facebook accounts:  @rwandatvofficial @radiorwanda @TheNewTimesRwanda

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