All business operations, including restaurants, shops, markets and malls, will, effective January 5, close operations at 6:00 PM, as part of efforts to slow the spread of new Covid-19 infections in the country. This is one of the resolutions made by a cabinet meeting, on Monday January 4. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente. Over the last couple of weeks, Rwanda has registered new infections north of 100, with half the total of deaths occurring last month. According to a statement from the Premier’s office, the government will maintain the current curfew hours from 8:00 PM through 4:00 AM. Also banned is both public and private transport to and from Kigali, as well as moving from one district to another. However, domestic tourists with a negative Covid-19 test result will be permitted to move across districts. “Travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services,” reads part of the statement. “Vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people on board.” As it has been, offices of public and private institutions will operate with only 30 per cent of their capacity, while other employees are urged to work from home. The government also resolved that all social gatherings including wedding ceremonies and celebrations of all kinds are prohibited in both public and private settings. To contain the virus, the public has been called upon to comply with existing health measures including physical distancing, proper wearing of face masks and hand hygiene. Covid-19 state in the country The development came on the same day, Rwanda reported four more fatalities, bringing the death tally to 105. Among the deceased, three were men, including a 43-year old, 73-year old and an 82-year old. The other was a 68-year old lady. The country also registered 172 new infections out of 2,251 samples that were taken in the same period. As it stands, Rwanda has a total of 1,927 active cases out of 8,848 cases reported since mid-March.
