Rwanda sees coronavirus cases rise to seven

Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two more cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number in the country to seven. 

The health minister confirmed that of the two new cases, one is a woman whose husband had previously tested positive.

The other is a German national, who arrived in the country from Germany on 13 March, before being admitted to hospital two days later on 15 March with a cough.

Whilst the overall number may be low, it is the speed at which they have proliferated that is alarming officials. 

Before Saturday there were no confirmed cases of the virus in the East African country.

On Monday the ministry added that the two-week closure of all schools and places of worship “may be renewed based on circumstances”.

It tweeted a statement explaining people should avoid large gatherings and reinforced the importance of personal hygiene.

The statement also dispelled the rumour that face masks offer adequate protection from the coronavirus, saying they “should only be used by patients and those in direct contact with patients”.

Photo: AFP