This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 22, 2021 - Rwanda has taken drastic measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, following a significant spike in infections. The country has reimposed strict restrictions, including the suspension of all social gatherings, to mitigate the risk of a severe third wave.
President Paul Kagame made the announcement during a Cabinet meeting on Monday, where he also adjusted the curfew time from 9pm-4am to 7pm-4am. Movements between Kigali and other provinces are now prohibited, except for medical reasons and essential services.
The government has also imposed a 7-day mandatory quarantine on travellers arriving from Uganda and India, effective June 15. Restrictions on movements in four districts neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have also been put in place to contain the spread of the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda has 3,727 active coronavirus cases, with a total of 30,813 cases reported out of 1,551,520 tests done. The country has so far vaccinated 390,777 people.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Rwanda's Minister of Health, warned that a third wave is probable, but the government can still fight it and ensure the situation returns to normal. The country needs at least 13 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to inoculate its target 60 per cent of the population by June 2022.
