The Ministry of Health says that results from the current second mass testing in Kigali will inform consequent measures to be taken.

This was said by Dr. Albert Tuyishime, Head of Institute of HIV/AIDS Disease Prevention and Control during a mass testing exercise at Mumena cell, Nyamirambo sector as Kigali residents underwent a second mass testing which kicked off on July 23.

The targeted people have been selected based on random sampling in areas that have seen a higher positivity rate above 5 per cent from the previous mass testing.

"Analysis of data from the ongoing mass testing in Kigali and upcountry districts under lockdown will determine next covid measures,” said Dr. Tuyishime. 

Current measures include, among many others, lockdown in Kigali and other 8 districts, different services put on hold such as meal and takeaways delivery services, curfew which was previously at 6 p.m.

Tuyishime also said they are giving medicines to infected people which help to boost the immune system.

"Preventive measures still need to be respected; wash your hands regularly, wear your masks properly, and self-isolate yourself when infected,” he added.

Views from residents who were tested

Juvenal Iyakaremye, 72, resident of Kimihurura cell said this lockdown has helped in the sense of preventing the spread of Covid and that community health workers are available to follow up on the infected people.

"Even though I am old, I am committed to play my role in the fight against this pandemic,” he said.

Diolatta Uwambajimana, a mother residing in Mumena cell advised other mothers to adhere to given guidelines especially with regards to their babies.

"Before breastfeeding, I wash my hands and I make sure no one else holds my baby,” she said.

Bernadette Nyirabagwiza, grandmother at 78, tested positive at Kimihurura site, and said, "I only have to wait to be treated and I hope that I will be able to live some more years.”