The Government of Rwanda has eased wide-ranging restrictions that had been imposed on the public in bid to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

This comes after the country saw a significant fall in new infections thanks in large part to recent lockdowns in the capital Kigali and other parts of the country.

According to the Ministry of Health, virus prevalence has reduced from 500/100,000 cases over the last one month to 50/100,000.

Equally, daily Covid-19-related deaths have fallen from double-digit levels in the lead up to and during the early stages of the lockdown to single digits currently.

With positivity rates also coming down over the last four weeks, the average number of people getting admitted to hospital has reduced by threefold, down from 30. The fall in new Covid infections means that the healthcare system has avoided being overwhelmed with cases (at least for now) and those needing help are able to get it.

That only 10 out of 416 sectors remain under stay-at-home orders points to the impressive results of the lockdowns at least from a public health perspective – although the restrictions have hurt livelihoods, as well as the economy and social life.

Once again, as has been the case with previous lockdowns, stay-at-home orders have proven to be effective in containing Covid infections despite all the challenges they’re associated with. But we have also learned that when the restrictions are relaxed and we let down our guard the virus punishes us with a vengeance.

Nonetheless, lockdowns are always the last option. They are not in anyone’s best interest and we should all do all it takes to avoid a situation where the government is left with no choice but to impose such stringent restrictions.

Therefore, it is vitally important that everyone plays their part by observing all Covid SOPs.

For instance, businesses should embrace outdoor settings and ensure social distancing, as should members of the public in general.

We should draw lessons from our own experience over the last 16 months fighting the pandemic. One of them is that we must observe Covid guidelines at all times, not just because of fear of the consequences of violations in the context of the law, but because it’s in our best interest and that of our neighbour and country at large. You don’t need a police officer or a local leader to take care of yourself, and to protect your livelihood and your wellbeing.

In the meantime, get a vaccine whenever you can.

The truth is that there is no shortcut out of this crisis. The faster each one of us understands that it’s down to us, individually and collectively, the sooner we will emerge victorious.