The City of Kigali has announced it has cancelled its recent tradition of setting off fireworks to usher in the New Year as a precaution to protect against coronavirus – although private establishments like hotels are allowed to seek authorisation to do so.

The decision is in line with the latest cabinet resolutions designed to help contain the deadly virus during a season that’s normally filled with merrymaking, family gatherings and lavish parties.

The City Hall’s decision was not entirely unexpected considering that government has recently been urging the public to avoid any behaviour that could put their lives and that of their loved ones at risk, in the name of celebrations.

Now, one of the things that many people tend to do around this time is going for prayers, particularly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Faith is so important in Rwanda the government has allowed Christmas prayers to take place despite the day not falling on a Sunday – the only day when Christians are otherwise permitted to congregate under the new Covid-19 protocols.

Nonetheless, church leaders and worshippers need to do everything to ensure that all pandemic guidelines are adhered to; a healthy body is necessary for a healthy soul after all. Indeed, religious leaders will play a vitally important role in ensuring that Rwandans celebrate this festive season and usher in the New Year, safely and responsibly.

But the biggest weapon in this fight is individual responsibility; it is imperative that everyone understands that their behaviour and attitudes will go a long way in helping the country succeed in the battle against the deadly virus.

Admittedly, there is a kind of pandemic fatigue considering we’ve lived with the virus for close to a year now. But the nature of this virus is such that it is so good at taking advantage of people’s complacency. Needless to say, the spike in cases that we’ve seen over the last couple weeks have shown us that the novel coronavirus can really thrive – and hurt us – when we let their guard down.

Let us enjoy the festive season safely and responsibly.