Students from boarding secondary schools on Sunday started returning home, according to a communique from the Ministry of Education (Mineduc).

This is in line with implementing measures set by the Government to further strengthen the country’s ability to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, after Rwanda confirmed the first case of the pandemic on Saturday.

The measures among others include the closure of both public and private schools and higher education institutions for a period of two weeks.

As per the statement, students from schools in Kigali City and Southern Province will be the first to return home on Sunday, 15 March while those from schools located in Northern, Eastern and Western Provinces will return on Monday, 16 March.

The Ministry noted that: "All transport fees of students will be paid by the Ministry of Education.”

It added that: "Education leaders at both the district and sector level, together with public transport companies are urged to follow-up closely as they also maintain hygienic precautions.”

Precautionary measures

Some precautionary measures that every Rwandan should follow so as to help tackle the pandemic include; avoiding unnecessary travels to countries with COVID-19, avoiding handshakes and hugs and frequently washing hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer.

The measures also include avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth before washing hands.

Citizens can also call 114, Rwanda Biomedical Center’s toll-free number, for further guidance.