The Government directives and other issued guidelines are meant to guarantee the health of every resident of Rwanda from the COVID-19, and must be respected for the safety of all.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the force adopted measures to oversee compliance through education and enforcement.
“We understand that there are some services, like restaurants and hotels, that disregard the directives by operating bars. In the last week alone, Police arrested 55 people, who were driving while drunk,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “In partnership with other entities, we are inspecting service providers to ensure physical distancing; there should be recommended distance of at least 2 metres between tables and 1.5 metres between chairs in hotels and restaurants. We are inspecting if hand washing and measuring body temperature is respected in all services.”
The spokesperson reminded all residents of Rwanda to respect the movement hours. “By 9pm, you should be home and only leave at 4am, but from December 22, up to January 4, 2021, we expect everyone to be home by 8pm. However, for those in Musanze District, we don’t expect any movements by 7pm. If you are transiting through Musanze, do it before 7pm,” CP Kabera said.
To those holding vigils and burial ceremonies, he said, it should be done in compliance with the directives so as not to attract Police intervention.
“We are entering the festive period, we urge all residents of Rwanda to avoid any social gatherings. Police doesn’t wish to be in anyone’s home for any violations; no one should be forced to wear a facemask, wash hands, or apply physical distancing. Workforce should not exceed the required number, 30 percent at a time.”
To those who violate the directives and try to hide from the Police, he advised, they should instead hide themselves from COVID-19, because of the threat it poses to Rwandans and the rest of the world.
“Rwanda National Police will continue the enforcement through education, inspection and operations to ensure maximum compliance against the spread of the COVID-19, penalising errant violators, but also ensuring the overall security of people living in Rwanda, and their property.”(End).