The Ministry of Health has confirmed six cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Rwanda through genomic sequencing of samples collected from travelers and their contacts.
“This variant of Covid-19 has been shown to spread rapidly, and the new Covid-19 preventive measures announced by the cabinet are intended to contain the spread of Omicron”, said the Ministry of Health in statement.
The Ministry of Health also underlines the importance of citizens and residents aged 12 and older being fully vaccinated, and of obtaining a 3rd booster dose as soon as eligible(aged 18, and at least six months since second dose of vaccine), especially for those aged 50 and above or with underlying health conditions.
More than 30% of the Rwandan population have received two vaccine doses and it has started issuing booster shots. Rwanda becomes the third East African country to record the variant after Uganda and Kenya.
