CORONAVIRUS: Rwanda extends lockdown until April 30th 2020

This Friday, an extraordinary cabinet meeting held through Video Conference this Friday, chaired by President Paul Kagame to discuss strategies to end the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact has extended the current lockdown until April 30th, 2020. 

 The initial 15-day lockdown was meant to end on Sunday, April 19th 2020. 

During the cabinet meeting, President Kagame thanked Rwandans for continued solidarity and for observing measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to a statement signed by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente.

Read full Cabinet Statement:

His Excellency Paul KAGAME today chaired another extraordinary Cabinet via video conference to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to further contain the outbreak in Rwanda.

1. His Excellency the President thanked Rwandans for continued solidarity and for observing measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

2. His Excellency the President commended all partners for continued support and commended the global and African solidarity in fighting the COVID - 19 pandemic.

3. The Cabinet noted ongoing measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 as well as strategies to lessen the burden on the most vulnerable groups, and called for sustained efforts to this end.

4. To further contain the outbreak, Cabinet extended the existing measures until April 30th 2020:

A. Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted, except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, financial services and for the personnel performing such services as well as other key national projects.

B. Farming will continue in preparation for the ongoing agricultural season B while observing guidelines from health authorities.

C. Places of worship will remain closed.

D. Schools and higher education institutions (both public and private) will remain closed and are encouraged to use technology to continue learning.

E. All employees (public and private) shall continue to use technology to work from home, except for those providing essential services.

F. Borders will remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations.

G. Travel between different cities and districts of the country is not permitted, except for medical reasons or essential services. Transport of food and essential goods will continue to function.

H. Shops and markets will remain closed, except those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel, and other essential items.

I. Motos are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.

J. All bars will remain closed.

K. Restaurants and cafés will continue to only provide take-away service.

1. Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible.

Kigali, 17th April 2020

Dr. Edouard Ngirente Prime Minister