Rwanda: International commercial flights to resume from August 1 /update 12

Event

International commercial flights will resume from Kigali International Airport (KGL) from Saturday, August 1, as Rwanda continues to ease restrictions brought in due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. All travelers entering the country are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours prior to their arrival. Travelers will also be required to enter into temporary quarantine at a government-designated hotel and take a second COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival, with onward travel within the country being authorized after confirmation of a negative test result. COVID-19 screening will also be in place for those leaving the country, with travelers displaying symptoms being prevented from boarding their flight and quarantined at an isolation facility until they can take a COVID-19 test.

Rwanda has been easing some public health restrictions in recent weeks as the government seeks to support the country's economy, with places of worship and some non-essential businesses being allowed to reopen since July 15. However, other measures, including the mandatory use of face masks in public places, a ban on large gatherings and events, and a nationwide 21:00 to 05:00 curfew remain in effect. Some areas of the country with identified COVID-19 clusters, including the Kigeme cell (Gasaka sector) and the Ruhunga cell (Kibirizi sector) in the Nyamagabe district, and the Mubuga, Butare, Gitwas, and Jarama cells (Gihombo sector) in the Nyamasheke district, are also subject to enhanced lockdowns. People in these areas are only permitted to leave their residences for essential purposes such as seeking medical treatment and purchasing food and essential goods.

As of July 28, health authorities have confirmed a total of 1879 COVID-19 cases in Rwanda with five associated deaths. Further 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.