There is relief in Rwanda after government announced lifting a countrywide lockdown that has lasted for at least 45 days as a measure to combat COVID-19, despite the number of infections increasing.

Current measures of a complete ‘Stay At Home’ will remain until Monday, May 4, 2020 when new guidelines will take effect and reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment, a cabinet meeting chaired by President Kagame resolved on Thursday evening.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health had announced that there were 18 new cases, making the total cases rise to 243. Active cases are now 139 and 104 recoveries.

President Kagame commended Rwandans for abiding by health measures, noting that the fight is not over and called on Rwandans to remain vigilant in observing health guidelines.

The President thanked all stakeholders and international partners for continued support in tackling COVID-19.

The Cabinet approved the Social Economic Recovery plan to support economic activities affected by COVID -19.

The Cabinet reviewed existing measures and approved the following effective Monday May 4, 2020:

The government will continue conducting mass screening and testing for COVID-19 nationwide.

The Cabinet also resolved that the public must continue wearing masks in public places at all times and that all resumed services must adhere to health guidelines from the Ministry of health (hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing).

Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible and movements are prohibited from 8PM to 5AM except with permission.

Services to resume

• Public and private businesses will resume with essential staff while other employees continue working from home.
• Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders.
• Manufacturing and construction sectors will open with essential workers.
• Hotels and restaurants will operate but close by 7PM.
• Individual sporting activity in open spaces is permitted however sports facilities shall remain closed.
• Public and private transport will resume within the same province.
• Bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed onboard.
• Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.

Services to remain closed

• Schools will remain closed until September 2020.
• Places of worship will remain closed.
• Gyms and recreational centers will remain closed.
• All bars will remain closed.
• Public and private transport between different provinces and city of Kigali is not permitted.
• Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may carry goods and continue to offer delivery services.
• 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.
• Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited.
• The current measures will remain until Monday, May 4th 2020 when new guidelines will take effect and reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.

Source: Taarifa RW