Why our neighbour is a coward and disobedient amid COVID 19 Complicated Situation?

Since the outbreak of Corona Virus in Rwanda, the National Police has continuously advised the citizens to follow the Government instructions while the struggle to halt the virus movement keeps on.

Despite being advised to stay home, some of us have continuously kept our behaviour like business as usual.

What is really disturbing all of us is the cynicism and disobedience of some of people who continue to manifest behaviours that can completely endanger others who have stayed at home in order to facilitate the management of this pandemic.

It is yesterday, on 20^th April 2020, that Rwanda National Police announced that a Separate Police operation conducted on Sunday in Kigali City arrested 28 people who had turned their shops and homes into bars, which is against the government directives on preventing the spread of COVIDー19.

The same day also there was a circulating image followed by an audio clip describing the tense situation in Gatenga, a suburb in the City of Kigali, where a lady who tasted positive of COVID 19.

It was very shocking and alarming that the lady has been operating a bar in her home where perhaps a significant number had frequented for alcoholic beverage services, and perhaps for other behaviours demonstrated by some people when they are drunkards. In an audio, the lady was also heard saying that security officials violated the integrity of her home threatening even to sue the law enforcement organ to H.E President of the republic.

Police has arrested many others operating bars or violating guidelines as many of us have continue to receive news stories on the arrests.

After listening or watching such incidences, one asked himself or herself why some of us are not rigorously obeying the Government directives on COVID 19 prevention putting innocent lives in danger? Are such suicidal behaviours or carelessness among some of our people?

We wonder how the situation will look like if some people are contaminating others, unknowingly or knowingly.

According to scientific facts, the new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

In order to protect yourself, you need to clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

While all of us have heard about this, we are not complying with the instructions at the same level rather we continue to complain on preventive measures or playing with them (measures). Why?

I know well that we can all understand this simple formula on how the virus spread. We have heard that A contaminated B and the later may have contaminated C and so on. So, do we think how disobeying instructions is likely to complicate the situation if we take the issue as usual?

Imagine being characterised as cowards in society due to the behaviour that you are demonstrating today while others are spending days and nights contributing to the containment of the virus.

There are others who have gone beyond normal imagination to the point of violating directives by vehemently saying that the dungeons of police stations are currently closed and that no one can stop them since even those who were arrested before were released. Is this really true? My answer is No. the Police has never stopped to arresting criminals and gangs in this complicated situation. Those who think in such way may have misinterpreted the urgent release of individuals from police stations and the act of violating laws in these unfamiliar circumstances.

Violating the COVID 19 instructions is a criminal activity with serious punishment.

If we want really to win the pandemic as soon as possible let us be upright citizens and feel that responsibility of protecting ourselves and others.

Let me end with this call of CP John Bosco Kabera, the Spokesperson of Rwanda National Police:

“Support national efforts against the pandemic. Stay at home, stay safe, report those who violate the directives putting other lives at risk and impeding national efforts against the deadly virus. Call 112. WhatsApp: 0788-311-155. Protecting your life starts with you (in this case with the highest level of compliance).”

About the Author

DUSABEMUNGU Ange de la Victoire

Experienced Communications Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Photography, Multi-media, Twitter, Microsoft Programs, Sales, and Editing. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs from National University of Rwanda. Political and Social Commentator on www.topafricanews.com and other local media