The deceased, Jean Hakizimana, 35, met his demise at a section where River Nabarongo snakes through Rubumba Village where it is normally flooded.
Residents of the area where the incident took place say that various aqua-based animals, including crocodiles and hippopotamuses, are on a rampage in the area in recent days as another resident was recently killed by a crocodile.
Kamonyi District Mayor Kayitesi Alice has said Hakizimana Jean’s body is not yet found, adding that residents of the area are required to avoid places from where crocodiles breed.
“Citizens are required to refrain from leaving their homes and those fishing from the river should know the boundaries. The said victim had crossed boundaries where human navigation is prohibited.”
In the Eastern Province in Ngoma, Gatsibo and Kayonza districts, about 750 liters were seized and six people were arrested. In the Western Province in Rutsiro District in Mukura Sector, at the home of 51-year-old Habarurema Damien, 420 liters were seized while in the Southern Province in Nyanza, Huye and Nyaruguru districts, five people were arrested with 740 liters.
Eastern Province Police Spokesperson, CIP Hamdun Twizeyimana said all the arrests were based on information provided by local authorities and the public.
“As usual, the police, in collaboration with local authorities and other security forces, have stepped up their efforts to ensure that bar closure regulations are complied with to prevent spreading of coronavirus epidemic. Working on information from local authorities, we found that all these people were selling these illegal liquor.”
CIP Twizeyimana goes on to say that such alcohol is illegal in Rwanda, as well as other drugs. In addition to having a detrimental effect on the health of the user, it causes him or her to commit or participate in crimes such as theft, violence, rape, child molestation, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
He reminded residents that prevention is better than cure, and urged residents to follow the advice given by the authorities on drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
CIP Twizeyimana also called on Rwandans, in general, to keep in mind the current situation in the country and follow the instructions to stay in their homes to prevent the spread of coronavirus
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.
The warning follows orders issued by the Government through the Prime Minister’s Office two days ago, where all residents were ordered to stay home, close shops, avoid unnecessary movements among others, save for individuals and companies involved in vending foods, pharmaceuticals, and other commodities deemed essential in the fight against coronavirus.
On Monday, in various parts of the country, people were stopped from making unnecessary journeys.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson CP John Kabera said it was clear that some people did not respect guidelines issued to fight the epidemic, saying that a person who cannot protect his or her life and of others becomes a problem and should be kept away from the society.
He said there were emergency services approved under the regulations such as shopping, getting medical care, buying pharmaceutical items, among others, but there are people who just wander without due respect to the social distance guidelines.
“We have put in place a monitoring system; when it is discovered that you are touting lies, saying you are going to see a doctor when you are not, you will be arrested and imprisoned, and fined.”
As of March 20, 2020, StarTimes has included the “StarTimes Daily COVID-19 Report” in its programs, as part of the news about coronavirus, which will be broadcast on Channel 12 and the StarTimes app over the phone.
StarTimes has announced that the news program will be available in a variety of languages including; English, French, Portuguese and foreign languages in the countries where it operates.
The program aims to provide urban and rural residents in Africa with skills as a powerful weapon against the epidemic. StarTimes communications director, Lily Meng, said it would cut all the information about coronavirus, educate people on prevention and show them what is happening elsewhere to make them more aware of the truth.
“The StarTimes Daily COVID-19 Report will show people the latest information and coronavirus statistics in Africa and around the world. It will share with people prevention strategies, lessons learned from other countries and make them more self-reliant with their families.”
She said people who still have a lot of questions are still wondering about the coronavirus, but rumors are circulating that may cover the truth. In this information, they tell people the truth and also express the hope of winning the epidemic.
The directive was issued yesterday March 23, 2020, as Rwanda continues to suspend a number of activities in a bid to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
The directive reads in part: “Apart from the food, beverage, water, pharmaceutical, sanitation, electrical as well as the basic equipment manufacturing industries, others are required to suspend their operations for two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. ”
As of yesterday, the number of COVID-19 patients stood at 36.
The new victims include nine people who arrived in Rwanda from Dubai, three from Kenya, two from the United States, one from Qatar, one from India and one person who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus in Rwanda.
The Ministry further directs that:
-* Only basic workers in the factory are to go to work as others work online from their homes
-* Have all the necessary equipment to protect their employees and clients from coronavirus infection, and to maintain a distance of at least one meter between one person and another.
-* Avoid raising the cost of what they produce
-* Determine the number of employees who will be working in these two weeks and give them travel passes.
The Ministry of Health advises that a person who shows COVID-19 symptoms should call the toll-free number 114, get help without leaving his/her home and email to callcenter@rbc.gov.rw, or WhatsApp message +250788202080 or call nearest health center.
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.
