Finally! One of the worst years in living memory comes to a close today. While 2021 will inherit the mess from 2020 there is hope the New Year will build on the promise of Covid-19 vaccine news, and eventually become the year of triumph and redemption. This year has been so bad that many people just can’t wait to leave it behind, even as its problems will not disappear with it. Other than the change of date and calendar year the challenges of the outgoing year will continue to test human ingenuity, faith and resilience in 2021 – and probably beyond. The New Year arrives at a time when the world is experiencing what is so far the worst wave of Covid-19 pandemic, with many countries returning to tough restrictions amid soaring virus cases and deaths. Yes, news of Covid-19 vaccines has somewhat eased uncertainty and triggered hope, but make no mistake, this virus is still highly unpredictable, especially with new, more contagious variants increasingly emerging in different countries. In Rwanda, the situation is not any different. The last past week has been one of the deadliest in the country, with at least 13 people – including those in their 40s – succumbing to complications related to the virus, while at least 530 positive cases were confirmed between Christmas Eve and Tuesday, December 29. From a public health perspective, it is safe to say that the situation is probably worse today than during the lockdown days, only this time we are better prepared – in terms of clinical knowledge, equipment and logistics, and public awareness – to deal with the virus. Nonetheless, with no clear end in sight to these restrictions and families and friends desperate to reconnect after being brutally kept apart by the pandemic for months, more people are violating the rules, putting themselves and their loved ones in danger. Subsequently, the police have warned of strict enforcement of pandemic guidelines, singling out particularly those who violate curfew restrictions. Rwandans have generally been cooperative and responsive in the fight against the novel coronavirus, but let us not give up just yet. We must continue to exercise patience and vigilance for our own safety and that of our loved ones, as the government works hard to secure a vaccine as soon as possible. How we behave in the hours leading up to the end of 2020 and the arrival of 2021 could make the difference between life and death. Yes, have fun and celebrate the New Year, but at home – and responsibly. The New Times wishes our loyal readers, clients and everyone good health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.
