Some of the lock down measures to be eased

Paul Fuggles, International Correspondent. 2020-05-01 18:07:47

Public and private services, markets and hotels are among the services allowed to resume operations from Monday, May 04, 2020 after a month and ten days suspended in order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic.

It was one of the resolutions passed at a cabinet meeting on April 30 aimed at re-examining the COVID-19 epidemic and measures to continue to fight it nationwide.

For the past 40 days, the government has been tightening its grip on almost all activities in the country, leaving only facilities such as clinics and grocery stores, and all residents required to stay home.

Among the new strategies approved by the Cabinet, they are streamlining some activities and resuming operations while others are being delayed. A statement from Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente said the new measures would "take effect on Monday, May 04 and last for two weeks."

Before that date, people will continue to follow the instructions to stay home. The government has also decided that the screening process will continue across the country, and that masks should be worn whenever one goes to meet others and the services are allowed to re-operate in compliance with health regulations (hand washing, wearing masks, leaving a distance). between one person and another).

People are also being encouraged to continue to use technology as long as possible both in terms of payment and the use of financial services.

In addition, travel is prohibited "from 2:00 pm to 5:00 am unless a person is authorized for a valid reason." - Services are allowed to resume.

a. Public and private businesses will resume with essential staff while other employees continue working form home.

b. Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders.

c. Manufacturing and Construction sectors will open with essential workers.

d. Hotels and restaurants will operate but close at 7pm

e. Individual sporting activity in open spaces is permitted however sports facilities shall remain closed.

f. Public and private transport will resume within the same province.

g. Bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed on board..

h. Funeral gatherings should not exceep 30 persons.

Services will continue to be closed

a. Schools will remain closed until September 2020.

b. Places of worship will remain closed.

c. Gyms and recreation centers will remain closed.

d. All bars will remain closed.

e. Public and private transport between different provinces and city of Kigali is not permitted

f. Motos and bicycles are not permiotted to carry passengers, but may carry goods and continue to offer delivery services.

g. Borders will reamin closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14 day quarantine.

h. Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited.

President Kagame commended Rwandans for their commitment to the prevention of the epidemic, reminding them that the fight against it is not over, urging them to remain vigilant and adhere to health protection guidelines.

On the evening of March 21, 2020, for the first time, Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente announced that the activities should be closed for a period of two weeks, until April 1, when the period is extended by two weeks and on April 17 by an extension of ten days. will end on April 30.

It was only after March 14 that the first person in the country was diagnosed with the disease. There are currently 243 Coronavirus cases in the country while 104 have been cured.

April 24 was the day when the highest number of patients was found because they were 22.

Since then, 89 patients have been diagnosed, an increase compared to other days.

The Ministry of Health said it was dominated by truck drivers crossing the border with their colleagues.