The Minister of Health Dr. Daniel Ngamije has said that the 151 people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last two days are mostly people from Nyarugenge and Nyabugogo (kwa Mutangana) markets plus a few from the country’s ministries.

Ngamije said this on Sunday, August 16 as he appeared on the national broadcaster where he joined a panel that included the Minister of State in Charge of Social Affairs, Ignatienne Nyirarukundo, the Mayor of City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa, and the Spokesman of the National Police, CP John Bosco Kabera, to discuss new measures on fighting Covid-19.

Ngamije explained that, although handwashing and wearing facemasks is still being paid attention to, the new cases can largely be blamed on the failure by many to observe social distancing.

"When you go to these markets, you will find people sitting so close to each other, having conversations and acting like there is no need for social distancing. The complacency is worrying,” he said.

Ngamije reminded that in the last few months, it was obvious that there would be challenges with markets especially within the people who help carry goods from the markets to the waiting cars, or to nearby shops.

"Most people are putting financial benefits before their own lives. They continue to accept cash payments yet they know the dangers that money poses because of how many times it exchanges hands. There is need for change in attitude,” he said

Bad attitude

Minister Nyirarukundo pointed out the poor attitude towards respecting the guidelines that have been put in place by the government to protect its citizens.

"There are people you will see moving around selling second-hand clothes. There are others that have failed to wear a facemask the right way. Normally Rwandans respect guidelines but on this, the attitude has been poor,” she said.

Mayor Rubingisa said that there is a need for local leaders and other Rwandans to push those who are not following guidelines to do so.

"We need to own the fight of this pandemic. This is not the duty of the police only. People seem to only care when someone of authority reminds them. This should be our collective fight.

CP Kabera said although the Police and the law have been catching up with many, the attitude has been difficult to change.

He also called for ownership of the fight saying that more would be reaped from the fight if the masses collectively worked together to hold each other accountable.