Rwanda eases COVID-19 restrictions following decline in infections

 

The Rwandan government announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the country following a decline in the number of infections.

The new regulations were announced following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame in the capital Kigali on Wednesday.

Rwanda’s infection rate has reduced from six percent in December to two percent and the daily number of confirmed cases has declined from an average of 500 cases to less than 200 cases.

Passengers who arrive into the country will no longer be required to quarantine, but will need to present a COVID-19 negative PCR test done 72 hours before their arrival in Rwanda. Additionally, a further PCR test will have to be taken on arrival and passengers will also have to take a rapid test three days after their arrival, all at their own cost.

Social gatherings and public events have been allowed to resume with indoor events hosting a maximum of 50 percent capacity of the venue and outdoor events hosting a maximum of 75 percent of the venue.

“Local authorities must be informed 7 days before the event. All guests must be fully vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event. As much as possible, gatherings should take place outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces,” a communique from the prime minister’s office said.

The nighttime curfew has also been shortened to 12am-4am from the previous time of 10pm-4am and businesses are now required to close by 11pm rather than 9pm.

Strict guidelines governing the public transport sector remain in place with the sector continuing to operating at full capacity and bus operators ordered to ensure that all passengers are vaccinated.

Operators and passengers of motorbike and bicycle taxis were also ordered to ensure they are vaccinated.

Restaurants, whose clients must be fully vaccinated, are to continue operating at a 75 percent occupancy limit, as are places of worship and bars.

Meanwhile, operations of night clubs and live band entertainment performances, which had been suspended, will resume “progressively” following approval by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The government also directed public offices to function with essential staff at a maximum of 50 percent while private offices were directed to continue working with a maximum workforce of 75 percent. Business owners were also reminded to ensure that all their employees are fully vaccinated.

Furthermore, all physical conferences and meetings be held at 75 percent capacity but all persons attending them must be fully vaccinated and give a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of the meetings.

The new regulations, which take effect as from January 27, will be reviewed after a month following a health assessment.