With the news the first case of coronavirus reported in Rwanda, sights of members of the public wearing face masks or surgical masks are fast becoming common across the city. However, experts and the government have called on citizens to leave the masks for patients with the virus as well as health practitioners directly interacting with patients. In a statement from the Ministry of Health released on Saturday evening, the government noted that face masks are only recommended for patients with the virus as well as health practitioners directly interacting with patients. They reminded the public that regular hand washing and avoiding contact with others is the most effective approach to preventing transmissions. The World Health Organisation also noted that if one is healthy, they only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected infection. Experts noted that the panic buying of masks across the city could lead to a shortage among those who need them most; health practitioners as well as patients. In a number of pharmacies visited by The New Times on Saturday afternoon, attendants confirmed that there had been an increase in demand for masks with some declining to sell to members of the public and only reserving them for health practitioners. The public has been urged not to panic and apply guidelines from the Ministry of Health as well as call a toll free number 114 for any suspected cases. President Paul Kagame also called upon Rwandans to showcase discipline and not to panic in the wake of the country’s confirmation of its first case of the coronavirus.
