Rwanda: Government reinstates lockdown measures in areas of Kigali June 25 /update 9

Event

On Thursday, June 25, the government of Rwanda placed six areas of Kigali back under lockdown following a rise in cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The measures came into immediate effect on Thursday evening and will last for 15 days through Friday, July 10. The areas, known as villages, are located in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro districts. In Kicukiro district, the villages affected are Kamabuye and Zuba in Nyarurama cell in Kigarama sector, Nyenyeri in Bwerankori cell, also in Kigarama sector, and Rugano in Kanunga cell, Gikondo sector. In Nyarugenge district, the affected villages are Kadobogo and Gisenga in Kigali cell, Kigali sector. Under the lockdown measures all workers will be required to work from home and movement into and out of these areas will be prohibited, with exemptions for medical reasons or other emergencies. The restrictions follow the detection of 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases since June 21, including four on Thursday. Five sectors of Rusizi district also remain under lockdown after measures were reintroduced there on June 2.

Although the government began easing some measures from May 4, restrictions on movement remain in place nationwide. A curfew is in effect between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time), during which movement is prohibited without government permission. Movement is currently limited to accessing essential or medical services or to carry out essential work. Public and private transport between provinces was permitted to resume on June 3, with the exception of Rusuzi and Rubavu districts. The wearing of face masks in public is mandatory. Some public sector and private businesses have been permitted to resume under strict conditions and only using essential staff. Hotels and restaurants can operate but must be closed at 19:00. Individual sporting activity is allowed in open spaces, but facilities, gyms, and recreation centers remain closed. All bars, schools, universities, and places of worship remain closed. Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited.

Rwanda's borders remain closed except for goods and cargo. Returning citizens and legal residents will be subject to a 14-day quarantine at designated locations.

As of Friday, June 26, health authorities have confirmed 850 COVID-19 cases nationwide and two associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures: 

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.