Rwanda Declares a Two Week Lock Down To Fight Covid-19

As fear and panic over coronavirus escalates, Rwanda has announced a two-week lockdown to tackle the pandemic.

In a statement, the Rwandese government issued restrictions on unnecessary movements and visits in and out of the country.

The country is experiencing a rapid spread of Covid-19, having recorded 17 cases on Monday 23, 2020.

Prime Minister, Ngirente Edouard, urged his fellow citizens to maintain a high level of discipline and vigilance so as to combat the pandemic.

“Observing the global trend of COVID-19 pandemic and considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need to take additional steps to ensure the disease does not spread further in Rwanda,” the Prime Minister said.

Further advice was issued, encouraging citizens to embrace the use of cashless banking by using electronic and online payments.

More measures such as the closure of shops, markets, entertainment spots and bars. However, restaurants and cafés, would remain open but only offer take away and home delivery services.

Employees were also asked to work from home. Those exempted were the employees offering critical services such as health care.

The lockdown affects air travel. A  30 _day ban has been issued on all flights in and out of Rwanda as a measure to contain the deadly coronavirus.

In addition, all persons who arrived in Rwanda for the past two weeks were asked to self _quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival.  The ministry of health is set to enforce the guidelines.

Local government and security organs will ensure compliance with the directives issued.