By Frank Kamuntu
The latest news about Coronavirus in Rwanda has stirred panic amongst Ugandans as the government opts for the second lockdown with stringent measures meant to curb the number of deaths and new infections.
In its latest measures, Rwanda has announced that all business operations, including restaurants, shops, markets, and malls, will, effective January 5, close operations at 6:00 PM, as one of the resolutions made by a cabinet meeting, on Monday, January 4.
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Over the last couple of weeks, Rwanda has registered new infections north of 100, with half the total of deaths occurring last month.
According to a statement from the Premier’s office, the government will maintain the current curfew hours from 8:00 PM through 4:00 AM.
Also banned is both public and private transport to and from Kigali, as well as moving from one district to another.
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However, domestic tourists with a negative Covid-19 test result will be permitted to move across districts.
“Travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services,” reads part of the statement. “Vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people on board.”
As it has been, offices of public and private institutions will operate with only 30 percent of their capacity, while other employees are urged to work from home.
The government also resolved that all social gatherings including wedding ceremonies and celebrations of all kinds are prohibited in both public and private settings.
To contain the virus, the public has been called upon to comply with existing health measures including physical distancing, proper wearing of face masks, and hand hygiene.
Uganda’s COVID-19 State
Rwanda’s decision comes at a time when Uganda has registered 201 new cases, 9 deaths from the results of COVID-19 tested on 1 January 2021, bringing the cumulative confirmed cases to 35,712.
Results of COVID-19 tests done on 1 January 2021 confirm 201 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 35,712.
🔺 9 COVID-19 deaths reported between 19 December 2020 and 01 Jan 2021 have been investigated and confirmed. pic.twitter.com/PACb0EQJxv— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) January 2, 2021
The breakdown of the new cases are: 200 contacts and alerts: Kampala (134) Mukono (27) Mbale (8) Jinja (6) Wakiso (8) Kalaki (5) Kapchorwa (3) Mbarara (2) Gulu (2) Ibanda (1) Soroti (1) Yumbe (1) Masaka (1) Luwero (1) and 1 Truck driver: Malaba.
