English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) calls upon the general public to adhere to the new Cabinet directives to support national efforts against the pandemic of the COVID-19.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera warned that Police has revised its enforcement operations in line with the new directives and urged residents of Rwanda to be responsive rather than being forced.
The Cabinet meeting held on Monday, January 4, prohibited movements to and from City of Kigali as well as between different districts. Any movement out of Kigali or district is only permitted on medical grounds and essential services.
Domestic and international tourists are permitted to travel across districts but are required to possess negative COVID-19 test results; all business establishments including restaurants, shops, markets and malls to close by 6pm; public and private institutions will operate at no more that 30 percent capacity of employees, with others staff to work from home on a rotational basis.
Vehicles transporting goods will continue to operate but with no more two people on board.
The government also suspended all social gatherings and events including religious wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings and conferences; public gyms and swimming pools are restricted from public with exception of tested guests staying at the hotel.
Attendance at a vigil will not exceed 15 people at any one time while funeral gatherings will not exceed 30 persons.
CP Kabera said that although movements within Kigali are allowed, people should avoid unnecessary travels to prevent catching or spread the virus, adding that “COVID-19 has no legs; it is spread by the people, especially those who disregard the directives and health guidelines.”
“The directives are clear; if you are in Kigali stay in Kigali; if you are in Burera, Gisagara, Bugesera, Karongi or in any district, you are prohibited from going beyond the boundaries of the district wherever you are. But again, it is strongly advised that people avoid unnecessary movements which can also be the source of spread,” CP Kabera said.
He warned motorists against smuggling people in and out of Kigali or districts.
“Public service vehicles, special hires, taxi-moto operators, commercial cyclists and even people with private cars, have a habit of smuggling people using remote roads. It is the same with pedestrians, who use these remote routes to move from one district to another or from Kigali to other districts.
We know these tricks and Police enforcement operations are designed in consideration of such violations. Anyone, who will be caught will face consequences including impounding the vehicle, motorcycle and the driver, rider as well as passengers will face individual penalties,” CP Kabera warned.
He reminded the public that 8pm is the time when everyone should be home, with exception of Musanze District where movements are prohibited from 7pm.
“There is no value in gathering a big number of people in one place where risks of COVID-19 infection are high. We are still in the fragile period where we need to understand the situation, be compliant, sacrifice and forego what is not essential.”
The last ten months of the pandemic, increased infections and COVID-19 related deaths in the past month, he said, should be a lesson to everyone to also adhere to the safety and health guidelines; wear a facemask properly, exercise physical distancing, wash your hands or sanitize regularly, avoid unnecessary movements, social or big gatherings.
