The Cabinet meeting held on Monday, March 15, and chaired by President Paul Kagame reviewed the National directives on the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the new nationwide directives, movements are prohibited between 9pm-4am, all businesses must close by 8pm; public offices will continue with essential staff with no more than 30% capacity while other employees continue working from home on rotational basis.
Private businesses will continue with essential staff at no more than 30% capacity while markets and malls will continue with essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders.
Movements between Kigali and provinces and between districts of the country is permitted, except for Bugesera district in Eastern Province and the districts of Nyanza and Gisagara in Southern Province.
Motos and bicycles are permitted to carry passengers but must observe strict hygiene; physical meetings will resume but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity. In case the meeting participants exceed 20 people, COVID-19 testing will be required.
All bars remain closed, gyms, recreational centers and gaming activities are still prohibited. And all swimming pools and spas are closed except for those at hotels hosting tested guests.
Places of worship will resume with no more than 30% maximum occupancy; attendance at vigil must not exceed 10 persons at any one time; funeral gatherings should not exceed 20 persons; civil and religious weddings will continue but should not exceed 20 persons and must comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Receptions are prohibited.
Restaurants and café remain open with 30% occupancy limit and can receive clients until 8pm.
Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and services providers shall inform Rwanda Development Board (RDB) of their itineraries.
Individual and non-contact outdoor sport activities are permitted. However, the Ministry of Sports will release details guidelines of sports activities allowed to continue.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that although some restrictions have been eased, this should not mean being complacent.
“We all know that the pandemic is still in our midst; resuming movements between Kigali and regions, and between districts doesn’t take away washing hands, social distancing and wearing face mask,” CP Kabera said.
Similarly, he warned against movements to or from restricted districts of Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara.
“People living in restricted districts of Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara should strictly abide by measures as directed by the Cabinet. The same goes with people in other district, who are prohibited from going to Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara. However, in case of any emergency, concerned institutions are ready to facilitate those going to or coming from these three districts,” CP Kabera said.
Transport
Public transport (buses) should not exceed 75%capacity. The bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed on board.
“All businesses should be closed by 8pm. Movement are prohibited from 9pmand this hour should find you home but not time to be going home; avoid unnecessary movements and prohibited gatherings.”
CP Kabera further commended members of the public, who continue to play important roles in the enforcement of the directives through awareness and reporting violators. (End)