The Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Friday, April 10, called for more compliance with set COVID-19 prevention measures from the public. The appeal came after several cases of violating set precautionary measures put in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Among the measures include a nationwide lockdown that prohibits movement of all people apart from those offering or seeking essential services. As a matter of fact, on Wednesday, April 8th, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau arrested nine people in Kigali over defaulting set measures. The arrested were distributing food to residents in Remera, Gasabo District, without the awareness of local authorities and without maintaining self-distancing, according to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). The Government had earlier reiterated that people who want to help vulnerable families whose livelihoods were affected by the lockdown should first inform local leaders in that particular area, to ensure that it is done appropriately. Speaking to The New Times, John Bosco Kabera, the Spokesperson of RNP, stressed the need for compliance vis-a-vis set COVID-19 precautionary measures. He said: Its true that few members of the public continue to disregard and violate government directives. We appeal to the general public to be responsive because these directives are meant to guarantee everyones safety. Kabera added that: The only time you are allowed to leave your home is for essential services such as medical care, shopping for food or banking and we urge that you do this at the nearest provider and not in groups. After the recent extension, the current lockdown will go through April 19. While in the lockdown, several precautionary measures like the washing of hands among others are to be applied. As of now, Rwanda has 113 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with seven of these being recovered cases. Directives available elsewhere Following self-distancing measures employed in many other countries as a result of this pandemic, some countries initiated other directives for enforcement. For instance, at the end of March, the Government of the United Kingdom gave police officers the right to fine £60 everyone who defaults the lockdown, whereby the amount can be doubled for each subsequent offence.
