Police spokesperson John Bosco Kabera
The revised Covid-19 prevention measures as well as opened services does not mean being complacent but rather an opportunity to continue observing the directives and health guidelines so as to give room for more services to resume and to win the fight against the pandemic.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera made the call while appearing on Rwanda Television.
The Cabinet Meeting held on Friday, July 30, reviewed the national directives on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The new directives took effect from Sunday, August 1.
The lockdown was lifted in City of Kigali and eight other districts of the country but movements are prohibited between 6pm and 4am. All businesses must close by 5pm, all social gatherings remain prohibited while public buses are only allowed to carry 50% of passenger capacity.
Although movements between City of Kigali and other parts of the country resumed, it is prohibited in the 50 sectors that were placed under localized lockdown, until August 10.
CP Kabera reminded the public that the pendemic is still around and advised unnecessary movements and to ensure maximum compliance with the directives.
“Although movements resumed from August 1, bear in mind that the pandemic is still here, be responsible and move only for essential services, do not take all members of the family and avoid visits; be responsive to prevent practices that can lead to getting infected or spreading the virus,” said CP Kabera.
“The directives, for example, specify that civil and religious weddings should not exceed 10 people, we expect this to be respected. However, people should not confuse this directive with traditional wedding, reception or bridal shower, which as it stands, are still prohibited,” he added.
CP Kabera further warned those who undermine the directives and attempt to disregard or challenge orders from those enforcing them.
“Some people have been found operating businesses beyond provided hours and others working behind closed doors during the time when everyone is supposed to be going home. There are also cases where public buses transport passengers above the recommended 50 percent maximum thinking that they will not be detected.
Other people do not wear face masks or wear them wrongly. There are businesses that have no hand washing facilities and others do not follow physical distancing. These attitudes will not be tolerated.”
He added that Police in partnership with other organs will continue to enforce the directives in all districts, sectors, on roads, bus stations and terminals. He urged drivers to follow and enforce the directives in their vehicles warning that failure to do so will result into penalties, once any violations are identified in public vehicles.
CP Kabera further cautioned drivers against movement during curfew hours, people, who hold religious gatherings either in homes or wilderness and reminded owners of restaurants to stick to offering take-away services only.
“The government directives to contain the spread of Covid-19 are very clear and the Police are ready for the enforcement and to provide any assistance where required and necessary,” CP Kabera reiterated.(End)