Public Notice from the Office of Rwanda’s Prime Minister on Coronavirus Disease 2019

The Government of Rwanda has set up a multidisciplinary team to assess and strengthen preparedness and response to the epidemic; Based on an assessment by the task-force, the Government of Rwanda would like to inform the general public of the following:

•No case of Coronavirus has been reported in Rwanda so far;

•Rwanda has put in place preparedness and response mechanisms to deal with a possible outbreak;

•However, given the severity of the epidemic and rapidity with which it spreads, we urge all Rwandans to take appropriate precautions and follow the advice of health professionals.

This virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads rapidly between people in close contact with one another through handshaking, or touching an infected person.

•Avoid especially handshaking and close body contact e.g. hugging

•Avoid unnecessary travels to countries affected by Coronavirus;

•Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing in public;

•Wash your hands with clean water and soap or hand sanitizer;

•Avoid contact with others whenever you have flu-like symptoms, cough or high fever;

•Contact the nearest health facility if you have one of the following symptoms: flu, fever, running nose, and cough with sore throat.

The Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions will continue to work on adequate strategies in the prevention and fight against this epidemic.