The total covid-19 balance sheet released in Rwanda on 13 May shows a total of 287 confirmed cases, 164 recovered cases and 123 active cases. In reality, the high number of patients under treatment (active cases) is due to the drivers of the infected trucks and the people contaminated by them.
A graph presented by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, shows a good evolution of the covid-19 situation in the country. The number of confirmed cases is on the rise, the number of recovered cases is also on the rise, while the curve representing active cases is tending towards zero.
The Ministry of Health graph, published on twitter by Minister Ngamije, shows the curve representing active cases pointing resolutely downwards, towards the x-axis. This means that it tends towards zero. The period under consideration is from 14 March to 12 May 2020. This graph excludes data collected on truck drivers.
Confirmed cases under the above conditions are 179, recovered cases are 153 and active cases are only 27 as of May 12, 2020. If we add the data collected on truck drivers, we come to a balance of 123 active cases.
Thus the active cases due to cross-border lorry drivers alone amount to 96.
These figures could mean that without the confirmed cases of truck drivers, the victory against covid-19 was very close.
The last consultative summit of the Heads of State of the East African Community countries decided to systematically test all cross-border truck drivers at their point of departure at covid-19 every 14 days.
Compliance with this measure by all states would be an important step towards victory over covid-19 in the region. For Rwanda, all hopes would thus be allowed.
Gérard Rugambwa
