18 July 2020 — Forty-four (54) new COVID-19 cases were identified out of 3232 samples tested today. This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases to one thousand, five hundred and thirty-nine (1539). To date, eight hundred and nineteen (819) patients have recovered and been discharged, including eight (8) in the past 24 hours. The number of active cases is seven hundred and fifteen (715) and five (5) deaths. The 5th death is a woman of 88 years old from Nyamasheke District, under lockdown.

The new cases are from Nyamasheke (35) from the cells under lockdown, Rusizi 9, Kigali (7), and Kirehe (3); heightened vigilance is required everywhere. All active cases are in isolation in stable condition.  

The COVID-19 prevention measures announced by the Government of Rwanda must continue to be rigorously observed, especially frequent hand-washing and physical distancing. In addition, face masks must be worn in public and multi-family compounds.
Withholding information related to contact tracing or COVID-19 symptoms, jeopardises public safety and will be punished in accordance with applicable laws. 

The key symptoms of coronavirus are dry cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Automated screening is available by dialing *114#. Symptoms can also be reported to a medical professional, or as follows:  
Phone : 114 (toll-free);  
Whatsapp message to:  +250788202080; 
E mail: callcenter [at] rbc.gov.rw.    

Let’s continue to work together to defeat this pandemic. 

For more information: 

Click on Rwanda Biomedical Centre Website: https://www.rbc.gov.rw  

Click on WHO African Region COVID-19 Dashboard: https://arcg.is/XvuSX