On March 21st, 2020, Prime Minister Ngirente stated that preventive measures needed reinforcement to prevent further spread of the virus. New measures include a 14-day renewable lockdown where citizens are mandated to stay home and practice social distancing.
In addition, a complete ban on air travel has been imposed and borders closed for 30 days.
Some citizens from Kayonza failed to respect preventive measures, opened shops and bars despite the government’s guidelines that only essential businesses should remain operational.
Murenzi Jean Claude, Kayonza district mayor told IGIHE that at least 120 people have been caught going against the government’s directives and that they have been punished for it.
“So far, 120 people in Kayonza received penalties for failure to practice social distancing and observing the ministry of health preventive measures. Most of them had opened shops and selling illicit brew.”
Currently, 54 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Rwanda. The ministry of health confirmed that at least 1200 people had close contact with infected patients while 900 among them have already been tested.
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.
Leave a Reply