The Rwandan government banned public and private transport between districts and the capital, Kigali, after the rate of coronavirus infections reached alarming levels.
The decision was taken by the Rwandan Cabinet after the East African country’s single-day infections hit a new high of 172 cases on Monday. The new infections brought Rwanda’s total confirmed cases to 8,848, with 6,816 recoveries and 105 deaths.
Transport between the three districts that make up the capital, Kigali, was also suspended.
“The public needs to significantly reduce social interactions and limit movements for essential services,” a cabinet statement announcing its resolutions stated.
The travel ban starting on Tuesday doesn’t affect travel for medical reasons and essential services, as well as domestic and international tourists who have negative COVID-19 test results, according to the statement.
The cabinet also maintains the curfew from 8pm. to 4am. and required all business establishments including restaurants, shops, markets and malls to close by 6 p.m. daily.
December was the deadliest month, claiming half of the total 105 deaths reported so far since the first case was confirmed in March last year
Officials believe travel to upcountry during the festive season is behind the new surge of infections.
The country has in the past seven days recorded 820 new cases and 30 deaths.
