Rwanda: Health officials revise and extend coronavirus disease-related nationwide restrictions, Jan. 18; Kigali under lockdown /update 15

Officials in Rwanda revise and extend COVID-19-related restrictions, Jan. 18; new curfew hours are 1800-0400. Kigali placed on lockdown.

Event

Officials in Rwanda have revised and tightened the nation's existing nightly curfew and other health measures through at least late January as part of government efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Under new measures introduced Jan. 18, Kigali will remain under lockdown until further notice. Travel between Kigali and other regions has been banned, with travel in the city limited to essential movement. Tourists are allowed to leave the city and tourist activity will continue in adherence to hygiene guidelines. Schools in the capital will remain closed. Outside the capital, interdistrict travel remains banned; however, intradistrict travel can continue. The 2000-0400 nationwide nightly curfew has been amended to 1800-0400. Individuals are required to wear protective face coverings while in public. Penalties will be applied for noncompliance.

International travel
International passengers arriving at Kigali International Airport (KGL) airport must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 120 hours prior to departure. In addition, all arriving passengers are required to quarantine at a designated hotel for a minimum of 24 hours in order to complete a second COVID-19 test. A similar test certificate is required upon departure from Rwanda.

Land borders remained closed except the border with DRC; the country's borders with Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania are open for goods and cargo traffic, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents. However, travel restrictions may be subject to the guidelines of neighboring states. All returnees are subjected to mandatory quarantine in accordance with existing health guidelines at their own cost.

Rwandan authorities review the country's preventive measures every 15 days and could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.