Kigali, 30 April 2020 - President Paul Kagame on Thursday chaired an extraordinary Cabinet to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies to contain the outbreak in Rwanda. The Cabinet reviewed existing measures and approved new guidelines to take effect on Monday, May 4th 2020. 

Here is what you need to know about the new guidelines: 

• General preventive measures

a. Mass screening and testing for COVID-19 will continue nationwide.

b. Masks must be worn in public at all times.

c. All resumed services must adhere to health guidelines from the Ministry of health (hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing).

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

e. Movements are prohibited from 8 PM to 5 AM except with permission.

• Services to resume

a. Public and private businesses will resume with essential staff while other employees continue working from home.

b. Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders.

c. Manufacturing and construction sectors will open with essential workers.

d. Hotels and restaurants will operate but close by 7 PM.

e. Individual sporting activity in open spaces is permitted however sports facilities shall remain closed.

f. Public and private transport will resume within the same province.

g. Bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed onboard.

h. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.

• Services to remain closed

a. Schools will remain closed until September 2020.

b. Places of worship will remain closed.

c. Gyms and recreational centers will remain closed.

d. All bars will remain closed.

e. Public and private transport between different provinces and city of Kigali is not permitted.

f. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may carry goods and continue to offer delivery services.

g. 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.

h. Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited.

Read the full Cabinet Resolutions here 

Learn more about COVID-19 Response here