Coronavirus; Africa adopts more aggressive measures

President of Rwanda Kagame

Several African countries have today introduced more aggressive measures including closing schools, places of worship and borders to non-nationals in a bid to control the spread of the Coronavirus.

Kenya and Rwanda, Uganda’s neighbours, have closed schools and banned all public gatherings. This comes after the two countries recorded cases of people with the SARS-COV-19, the disease caused by the Coronavirus that started in China in December last year.

By Sunday Mar 15, Kenya had recorded its third case of the disease, while Rwanda still had one case.

Kenya has stopped non-Kenyans and foreigners from countries with reported cases of COVID-19 but without resident permits from entering the country.

Rwanda

In Rwanda, a statement issued by the Minister of Health said: “Following the assessment by Ministry of Health, the following measures shall be observed for an initial period of two weeks in order to further strengthen the country’s ability to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 Coronavirus transmission,” said the Rwandan Health Minister in a statement.”

Earlier restrictions had banned all concerts and events such as rallies, exhibitions and trade shows.

Activities to be affected with effect from Sunday 15 and 16 March 2020 are; Places of worship, schools, weddings and sporting events postponed a number of people attending burials restricted and employees permitted to work from home.

However, businesses and restaurants will be allowed to continue operating but operators have been advised to keep a distance from customers as well as avoid overcrowding public transport.

Rwanda’s health minister confirmed in a statement released on Saturday March 14, stating that they recorded their first case of Corona Virus (COVID 19).

“An Indian citizen that arrived from Mumbai, India on 8 March had tested positive and is currently undergoing treatment.” Said the Rwandan Health Minister in a statement

The Minister has advised any person having symptoms to stay at home.

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