At least 29 members of various Christian churches have been arrested in Rwanda’s Musanze District for breaching the directive on public gatherings.
The government has banned all religious activities and restricted congregating at inappropriate areas to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
The Minister for Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka issued new directives recently that reads that “It is forbidden to take praying activities to inappropriate places such as in prayer rooms, congregating in homes or in caves.”
The district police spokesperson Alexis Rugigana said police were tipped by residents over the incident leading to a major operation in the community.
“As the ministries of health and local government instructed people should avoid social distancing; praying in churches, in prayers’ rooms and other areas like caves is banned as long as coronavirus is still in the country,” he said.
Lockdown in Rwanda
Rwanda’s government has already imposed new measures that are meant to stop the spread of Coronavirus as the country’s infections increase.
The country has so far confirmed at least 17 cases and there are concerns the spread could get worst.
Rwanda’s prime minister issued a statement on Saturday detailing some of the new measures taken to restrict movements.
It said “Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted excerpt for essential services such as health care, shopping or banking and for personnel performing such services.
“Borders are closed excerpt for goods and cargos as well as returning Rwandan Citizens and legal residents.”
Travels also within cities in Rwandan have also been banned excerpt for essential services. Shops and markets have also been closed.
The statement said these restrictions are for the next two weeks.
“Observing the global trend of the COVID-19 & considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need for additional steps to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread further in Rwanda.
The following measures will be in force beginning at 23:59 on 21/03/2020 for 2 weeks,” the statement said.
Observing the global trend of the COVID-19 & considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need for additional steps to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread further in Rwanda. The following measures will be in force beginning at 23:59 on 21/03/2020 for 2 weeks pic.twitter.com/vCd8hKwGAD
— Office of the PM | Rwanda (@PrimatureRwanda) March 21, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com
