Question:

I heard that new measures to resume economic activities affected by COVID-19 were issued by the Government. What does this mean for my business?

Answer: The Government of Rwanda reviewed existing strategies to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 and approved a number of measures to enable economic activities to resume as of Monday, May 4, 2020. Here is what you need to know:

  • General preventative measures must continue, including the need to wear masks in public at all times and adhere to hand hygiene and social distancing for all resumed activities. Mass screening and testing for COVID-19 will continue nationwide. Movement is prohibited from 8pm to 5am except with permission.
  • Businesses will resume with essential workers; however:
    • All non-essential employees should continue working from home.
    • Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders.
    • Hotels and restaurants will operate but close by 7pm.
    • Manufacturing and construction sectors will open with essential workers only.
  • Electronic payments and online banking services should be used whenever possible.
  • Public and private transport will resume within the same province. Transport between different provinces and the city of Kigali is not permitted.
  • Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers but may carry goods and offer delivery services.

The Government is doing all possible to be sure that economic activities can begin to resume in a way that continues to keep everyone safe. The guidelines will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.

Be Safe! Make sure you continue to follow general preventative measures and resume economic activities only with essential workers. And stay healthy!

Reference: Office of the Prime Minister. Statement on Cabinet Resolutions of 30 April 2020.