Rwanda National Police

The new national directives on containing the COVID-19 pandemic will come into force this Tuesday, February 23.

The new measures were adopted by the Cabinet meeting held on February 19.

Under the new nationwide directives, movements are prohibited between 8pm-4am, all businesses must close by 6pm; public offices will resume with essential staff with no more than 30% capacity while other employees continue working from home on rotational basis.

Private businesses will continue with essential staff at no more than 30% capacity while markets and malls will continue with essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders.

Movements between Kigali and provinces and of the district of the country is not permitted except for essential services, medical reasons or tourism. 

Public transport (buses) should not exceed 75% vehicle capacity. Bus operators are tasked to ensure social distancing with only passengers wearing masks are allowed on board.

Motos and bicycles are permitted to carry passengers but must observe strict hygiene, all bars remain closed, physical meetings, gyms, recreational centres and gaming activities are prohibited.

Restaurants and café shall resume with 30 occupants limit and must receive clients until 6pm but take away or food delivery services may continue until 8pm.

Places of worship will resume with no more than 30% maximum occupancy, attendance at vigil must not exceed 10 persons at any one time, funeral gatherings should not exceed 20 persons, civil and religious weddings are allowed but must not exceed 20 persons and must comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, but receptions are prohibited.

Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines. 

Individual and non-contact outdoor sport activities are permitted. The Ministry of sports also released detailed instructions of sports activities allowed to resume under specific conditions.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the forces is ready to enforce the new directives in partnership with other entities.

CP Kabera called upon all residents of Rwanda to be responsive to the new COVID-19 prevention measures.

He cautioned against any violations, which can lead to the new wave of spread.

The spokesperson emphasized wearing of face mask, physical distancing and hand hygiene.

"It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure maximum compliance of these health and prevention measures; no one should be forced and no one should see violations and keep quiet," CP Kabera said.