COVID-19: Rwanda Extends Lockdown till April 30

The Rwandan government has extended the national lockdown for 21 more days to contain further spread of Coronavirus.

Five new cases were confirmed in Rwanda, bringing to 143 the total number of COVID-19 infections in the country.

The decision to maintain the lockdown was passed during an extraordinary Cabinet session chaired by President Paul Kagame held via video conference on Friday.

“To further contain the outbreak, Cabinet extended the existing measures until April 30th 2020,” said Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente in a statement seen by ChimpReports.

The meeting was called to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to further contain the outbreak in Rwanda.

Rwanda, which relies heavily on tourism for foreign exchange, saw its economy ground due to the lockdown which started on March 21. 

To further contain the outbreak, Cabinet extended the existing measures until April 30th 2020:

• Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted, except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, financial services and for the personnel performing such services as well as other key national projects.
• Farming will continue in preparation for the ongoing agricultural season B while observing guidelines from health authorities.
• Places of worship will remain closed.
• Schools and higher education institutions (both public and private) will remain closed and are encouraged to use technology to continue learning.
• All employees (public and private) shall continue to use technology to work from home, except for those providing essential services.
• Borders will remain 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 will remain closed, except 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.
• All bars will remain closed.
• Restaurants and cafés will continue to only provide take-away service.
• Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible.