The office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda has announced a raft of measures meant to minimise or stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus.
Some of the measures include buying commodities electronically and remotely; working from home; closure of borders; ban on travels between cities; ban on public transport; ban on restaurants and closure of shops.
Read the full statement below.
REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
ANNOUNCEMENT ON ENHANCED COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES Observing the global trend of the COVID-19 pandemic and considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need to take additional steps to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread further in Rwanda. Accordingly, the following measures will be in force beginning at 23:59 on Saturday, 21 March 2020, for an initial period of two (2) weeks.
- Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted, except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, or banking, and for the personnel performing such services.
- Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible rather than Banks or ATMs.
- All employees (public and private) shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.
- Borders are closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations.
- Travel between different cities and districts of the country is not permitted, except for medical reasons or essential services. Transport of food and essential goods will continue to function.
- Shops and markets are closed, except for those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel, and other essential items.
- Motos are not permitted to carry passengers but may offer delivery services. Other public transport within cities will only operate for essential movements, as above, a. with at least one (1) metre distance between passengers.
- All bars are closed.
- Restaurants and cafes may only provide takeaway service.
- Local government institutions and security organs are tasked with ensuring compliance with these instructions.
Heightened vigilance, discipline, and cooperation are required from all of us in the weeks ahead.
Let’s work together to rein in this virus.
Kigali, 21 March 2020
Dr. NGIRENTE Edouard
Prime Minister
