The Duchess of Cornwall, 72, has also been tested but does not have the virus.
Clarence House said Charles and Camilla were now self-isolating at Balmoral, adding the prince “has been working at home throughout the last few days”.
An official statement read: “In accordance with government and medical advice, the prince and the duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.
“The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire, where they met the criteria required for testing.
“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”
On Tuesday, March 24th, 2020, a meeting which brought together catholic bishops in Rwanda concluded with a schedule of how Easter celebrations which will be held on April 12th, 2020, will be conducted this year.
An announcement signed by Mgr. Philippe Rukamba, Bishop of Butare Diocese and approved by the Pope shows a complete schedule of Easter rituals and how they will be conducted.
Each year, Christians around the world celebrate Easter or the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The holiday is preceded by a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance called ‘Lent’. Easter season concludes with Pentecost, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon disciples of Jesus.
Easter will be celebrated as usual but in line with the established guidelines against coronavirus. Some rituals which require physical contact were postponed to early July 2020.
The Easter Triduum will be celebrated in all cathedrals and parishes of Rwanda but Christians will follow up on it on radio and television channels.
Priests will inform Christians in their parishes on Mass schedules. Radio Maria and all Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) channels will broadcast the celebrations.
Holy Thursday rituals such as foot-washing will not be conducted.
On Easter, no baptism rituals will be held and all canceled rituals during the Holy Week will be postponed between the 14th and 15th September 2020.
In an announcement published on March 24th, 2020 via Twitter, RBA explained that the decision was taken to support the government of Rwanda measures to restrict movement in the country as a preventive solution against COVID-19.
Since the first patient was identified in Rwanda on March 14th, 2020, the number of infected patients continues to grow and has reached 40 as of March 24th.
The announcement which was signed by Robin Bairstow, RBA Chairman states that ” RBA has advised the banks to temporarily close some of its branches in the country but more specifically the ones located in Kigali in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. RBA continues to monitor closely the situation and will inform its members, staff, customers, and stakeholders on COVID-19 updates.”
RBA stated that banks will inform their customers on further steps through usual communication channels.
The government of Rwanda has taken many preventive measures since patient zero was identified including closing all public and private schools as well as higher education institutions and prohibiting public gatherings.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further the spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114 to report any symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
The ministry of health advised for heightened vigilance and cooperation from Rwandans and abiding by certain regulations to stop the spread of coronavirus. All non-essential businesses are closed, travel between cities and districts is prohibited as well as non-essential movements from home.
In addition, Rwandans are recommended to practice social distancing and quarantine for 14 days renewable.
On March 18th, 2020, the Central Bank of Rwanda (BNR) eased loan repayment conditions for borrowers affected by the coronavirus outbreak and waived transaction fees for mobile money.
BNR also stated that “For the next six months, BNR offers to buy back bonds at the prevailing market rate and the waiting period if one fails to sell the bond on the secondary market will be reduced from 30 to 15 days.”
Gasana Emmanuel, South Province Governor confirmed the information in an interview with Radio Huye on Tuesday, March 25th, 2020. He called upon citizens to cooperate in order to be successful in eradicating coronavirus pandemic.
Gasana said that since preventive measures were implemented, some individuals took them lightly and that some received penalties while others were incarcerated. “We have taken drastic measures to reiterate how severe the virus is. 315 people received penalties while 18 are in jail.”
Speaking to IGIHE, Gasana said some of them were arrested for insubordination towards law enforcement orders and local government authorities. Others were caught strolling around in bars despite clear orders not to leave their homes while the rest opened shops with no respect to established health guidelines.
He advised citizens to stay in their homes, practice social distancing and regularly wash hands to prevent coronavirus and to respect health guidelines as it is in our best interest.
Local authorities are advised to work hand in hand with security authorities to reinforce established preventive measures.
Two days ago, new preventive measures were put in place including closing all unnecessary businesses and imposing a 2-week renewable mandatory quarantine.
On Tuesday, March 25th, 2020, Rwanda National Police (RNP) reminded Rwandans that all who will fail to respect established health guidelines will receive severe penalties.
In an announcement published on March 23rd, 2020 via Twitter, MINAGRI explained that farming activities must continue to avoid a shortage of food and animal products during the coronavirus outbreak.
Veterinary services, shops selling animal feed, fertilizers and food industries will continue to operate.
Owners of veterinary pharmacies who order medications from Kigali are advised to request for a permit in their respective sectors.
Industries that manufacture animal feed were advised to use limited personnel to curb further spread of coronavirus but keep the supply to farmers flowing.
To guarantee feed safety whilst minimizing risks for infection for customers, suppliers, and employees, feed manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers will request a transportation permit for each delivery.
Fertilizer suppliers are requested to wear protective masks and gloves while serving customers and keep a meter distance between each other.
Trucks carrying fertilizers and liquid nitrogen for animal sperm preservation are instructed not to carry more than two people.
Although farmers will keep working, they were advised to implement hygiene measures and abide by health authorities’ guidance to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Large industries, institutions, and cooperatives which produce tea, sugar, milk, rice, coffee, and flour are advised to limit the number of workers.
Patient zero was identified in Rwanda on March 14th, 2020. He is an Indian citizen who arrived in Rwanda from Mumbai, India.
Four days after the first patient was identified, his wife also tested positive for the virus, was quarantined and started receiving medical care.
Currently, the number of COVID-19 patients in Rwanda has reached 36. Most of them are predominantly people with recent travel history.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Minister of Health said the patients are in stable conditions and the first to be admitted at Kanyinya Health Center will soon be discharged.
“We are confident that by the end of this week, the Indian citizen who was the first to test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda and his wife will return home.”
Ngamije said that all the 17 patients who tested positive for coronavirus on March 23rd, 2020, entered quarantine between March 17th-20th, 2020 and were isolated from other patients.
The ministry of health advised for heightened vigilance and cooperation from Rwandans and abiding by certain regulations to stop the spread of coronavirus. All non-essential businesses are closed, travel between cities and districts is prohibited as well as non-essential movements from home.
In addition, Rwandans are recommended to practice social distancing and quarantine for 14 days renewable.

The World Health Organization(WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11th, 2020 following the increasingly big number of patients since it was identified in Wuhan, China.
Up to 378,000 patients have tested positive for coronavirus, 16,000 died from it while 101,600 recovered from the virus.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114, send an email on callcenter@rbc.gov.rw, or a WhatsApp message on +25088202080 to report any symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Statistics show that globally, 380,000 people contracted coronavirus while 16,000 died from it.
The announcement published by MINISANTE on March 23rd, 2020 states the 17 newly infected patients add on 19 prior patients identified since March 14th when patient zero was identified.
MINISANTE stated that the 17 newly infected patients are:
-# 9 travelers from Dubai, United Arab Emirates
-# 3 travelers from Kenya
-# 2 travelers from the U.S
-# 1 traveler from Qatar
-# 1 traveler from India
-# 1 contact of a previously confirmed case of coronavirus
The ministry of health announced that all the 17 patients entered isolation between March 17th-20th, 2020 and were isolated.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Ministry of Health recently announced that 17 patients who were identified last week had contact with 680 individuals in Rwanda. All of them have been tracked and tests were conducted to counter further spread.
With the increase in the number of coronavirus patients, more preventive measures have been adopted including a complete air travel ban and mandatory quarantine for all Rwandans except those who provide essential services.
The ministry of health advised for heightened vigilance and cooperation from Rwandans and abiding by certain regulations to stop the spread of coronavirus. All non-essential businesses are closed, travel between cities and districts is prohibited as well as non-essential movements from home.
In addition, Rwandans are recommended to practice social distancing and quarantine for 14 days renewable.
The World Health Organization(WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11th, 2020 following the increasingly big number of patients since it was identified in Wuhan, China.
Up to 378,000 patients have tested positive for coronavirus, 16,000 died from it while 101,600 recovered from the virus.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114, send an email on callcenter@rbc.gov.rw, or a WhatsApp message on +25088202080 to report any symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
New preventive measures include closing borders and mandatory quarantine for Rwandans who do not provide essential services.
Given that most people in Kigali earn daily income, mandatory quarantine posed a significant challenge for family heads to feed their families.
However, mandatory quarantine was imposed for the greater good and it is primordial that Rwandans adhere to it by staying at home.
For taxi-moto drivers, small scale retailers, carpenters or street sweepers, mandatory quarantine has been challenging since they were deprived of their only source of income.
To prevent further spread of coronavirus, Rwandans must learn at all costs to practice social distancing and work with the available means to cover needs for the entire quarantine period. Since no one knows when life will get back to normal, Rwandans are advised to avoid spending money on unnecessary purchases such as alcohol or other drugs but rather spend on essential needs such as food, hygiene products, electricity, and water.
In an interview with RTV on the challenges posed by coronavirus preventive measures, Prof Shyaka Anastase observed that the government of Rwanda is currently brainstorming ways to support citizens in need especially those who were affected by mandatory quarantine measures.
Time and again, the government of Rwanda has financially assisted Rwandans by building affordable housing for the poor and providing food to families of farmers whose yield was affected by climate change among others.
While the coronavirus outbreak was unpredicted and was not included on Rwanda National Budget for this fiscal year, it is important to remember that Rwandans have always found their way around challenging financial situations.
A remarkable example is the Agaciro Development Fund, Rwanda’s sovereign wealth fund that was initiated by Rwandans to build up public savings, achieve self-reliance, maintain stability in times of national economic shocks and accelerate Rwanda’s socio-economic development goals.
Fighting coronavirus demands a joint effort between citizens and the government of Rwanda. Rwandans should respect established preventive measures such as regularly washing hands, staying at home and practicing social distancing. There is no doubt whatsoever that if Rwandans abide by those measures, coronavirus will be eradicated and life will go back to normal.
In an ADEPR statement of 20 March 2020, signed by its spokesperson, Rev Karuranga Ephrem, the church outlines new methods to use in the collection of offerings in these difficult times that include; taking offerings to church; bank account and Mobile Money and Airtel Money.
Among those who blamed the move is Bamporoki Edouard, State Minister in the Ministry of youth and culture and a member of the church. He suggested instead of the church demanding offerings from believers in these difficult times, it should instead be giving out something to its poor followers from what Christians have offered over the years.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of foreign affairs and regional cooperation, Olivier Nduhungireye, blamed churches that want to gain from these difficult times.
Another Rwandan, Ndayishimiye Jean Claude supported the Minister. He cited what has been said calling churches business places and not different from businesses hiking prices in these hard times.
The ministry of health announced that 19 patients have so far tested positive for coronavirus and strict preventive measures have been established to counter further spread.
In a bid to successfully fight the virus, medical doctors have been trained about the symptoms of coronavirus, prevention, and treatment.
Rwandans who completed Nursing programs but don’t work in the health sector have pledged support to medical doctors amidst coronavirus outbreak.
Kirenga Juvens, one of the nurse practitioners told IGIHE “during this crisis, it is our responsibility as Rwandans to contribute to curbing the spread of the virus. My contribution as a certified nurse practitioner will undoubtedly come in handy. We have seen over the past years Rwandans who have made a contribution to various initiatives in Rwanda such as unity and reconciliation, Gacaca without prior knowledge to it. We believe our support is needed given that we have completed studies in the health sector,”
Currently, 67 nurse practitioners and midwives have pledged their support and have received certification from Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU)
Kirenga said that they have already requested for permits to various health institutions in Rwanda to start working as soon as possible.
“We are waiting for work permits from concerned authorities so we can start supporting medical doctors in the fight against coronavirus.”
On Saturday, March 21st, 2020, Dr. Utumatwishima Abdallah, Rwamagana Hospital Director General wrote via Twitter that a bigger task force was needed for Rwanda to successfully combat coronavirus.
“There are a lot of nurse practitioners and other Rwandans who completed studies in the health sector but took a different career path. We need their support during this critical time because COVID-19 patients need appropriate care but other patients too cannot be left unattended to.”
Rwanda is one of the countries with a relatively low number of health care specialists compared to the needed number.
In January 2020, André Gitembagaza, RNMU President told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that one midwife in Rwanda cares for 4700 patients.
Patient zero was identified in Rwanda on March 14th, 2020 and since then the number has hiked to 11. Patients are currently receiving medical care at Kanyinya health center in Nyarugenge district and are quickly recovering.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114 to report any symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Other measures taken by the ministry of health to counter coronavirus are closing all public and private schools as well as higher education institutions, banning public gatherings and advising citizens to work from home.
