Rwanda: Authorities close two markets in Kigali following spike in COVID-19 cases August 16 /update 13

Event

Rwandan authorities ordered the closure of two markets in Kigali on Sunday, August 16, following a spike in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the capital. The Nyarugenge and Kwa Mutanga markets, two of the biggest in the city used widely by food wholesalers, will be closed for a week until August 24, during which time the premises and surrounding areas will be cleaned and disinfected.

The move came as the government confirmed 101 new COVID-19 cases in Rwanda on Sunday, including 80 in Kigali. After weeks of relatively low numbers of new infections, the country has seen a rapid increase in cases in recent days, reporting 253 confirmed cases since August 14 compared to 222 in the 14 days prior. The majority of the recent COVID-19 cases have been in the capital, with clusters being identified in several high-risk areas such as Nyabugogo, but infections have also been confirmed in the Rusizi, Rubavu, Nyamasheke, and Huye districts.

International commercial flights from Kigali International Airport (KGL) resumed on August 1 amid the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions. All travelers entering the country are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from within 120 hours prior to their departure to the country. 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.

As of August 17, health authorities have confirmed a total of 2453 COVID-19 cases in Rwanda, with eight 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 COVID-19 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.