Rwanda extends Lockdown Period to slow the spread of COVID–19
An extraordinary Cabinet meeting via video conference was chaired by His Excellency Paul KAGAME today to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to further contain the outbreak in Rwanda.
1. His Excellency the President commended Rwandans and stakeholders in various sectors for their solidarity and acknowledged the efforts made in observing the current measures to slow the spread of COVID–19.
2. His Excellency the President also thanked countries in the region, as well as international partners and friends of Rwanda, for their continued collaboration and support.
3. To further contain the outbreak, Cabinet extended the existing measures for an additional two weeks, until 23:59 on Sunday 19th April 2020.
a. Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted, except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, or banking, and for the personnel performing such services.
b. Farming will continue in preparation for the ongoing agricultural season B while observing guidelines from health authorities.
c. Places of worship will remain closed.
d. Schools and higher education institutions (both public and private) will remain closed and are encouraged to use technology to continue instruction.
e. All employees (public and private) shall continue to use technology to work from home, except for those providing essential services.
f. Borders will remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations. g. Travel between different cities and districts of the country is not permitted, except for medical reasons or essential services. Transport of food and essential goods will continue to function.
h. Shops and markets will remain closed, except those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel, and other essential items.
i. Motos are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.
j. All bars will remain closed. k. Restaurants and cafés will continue to only provide take-away service.
l. Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible.
4. Cabinet discussed measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID19 as well as strategies to lessen the burden on the most vulnerable groups.
5. The Minister of ICT and Innovation briefed Cabinet about technology tools being used in the fight against COVID-19 and available e-learning tools for education.
6. The Minister of Justice briefed Cabinet on how Kwibuka 26 will be commemorated in the context of COVID-19.
Kigali, 1st April 2020
Dr. NGIRENTE Edouard
Prime Minister
