Eight people have tested positive of coronavirus and have been isolated, undergoing treatment.

Dr. Jean Baptiste Mazarati, Head of Department of Biomedical Services at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has said that when a person is suspected of having the virus, he or she is taken to a nearby hospital and placed in a designated ward, samples drawn and tested from the national laboratory.

He told the media that the test results are released after four to five hours.

”Since the outbreak of coronavirus in China, we have tested 1,200 people, and now conducting between 20 to 30 tests every day from different hospitals in the country.”

Dr. José Nyamusore, RBC Head of Epidemic Surveillance and Response, said the seven cases who were confirmed to be infected are responding well to treatment.

“They are all responding to treatment and no one is in critical condition. At times you call them and find they are doing sports. In a few days, they can be re-tested and see how the results are; if the viruses are gone they can go back to their families.”

He said people should continue to avoid shaking hands and observe hygienic practices.

The epidemic has already killed more than 7,000 people, and more than 180,000 have been infected worldwide.

Dr. José Nyamusore, RBC Head of Epidemic Surveillance and Response, said the seven cases who were confirmed to be infected are responding well to treatment.