Alert: Extension of Lockdown of the City of Kigali and Other Districts Across Rwanda through July 31

On July 25, 2021, the Government of Rwanda announced the extension of the following COVID-19 prevention measures through Saturday, July 31.

Lockdown of the City of Kigali and the Districts of Burera, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Rwamagana, and Rutsiro:

·       Movements and visits outside the home are not permitted except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, or banking (or personnel performing such services).

·       Outdoor sports and recreational activities are prohibited.

·       Public transport is prohibited. Motorcycle taxis and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers but may offer delivery services.

·       Offices (public and private) are closed, except for those providing essential services.

·       Businesses are closed, except for those selling food, medicine, and other approved essential items but will operate at 30 percent capacity.  Businesses permitted to operate must close at 5:00 PM.

·       Arriving and departing passengers at Kigali International Airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

·       Tourism activities will continue in strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines.  This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.

·       All swimming pools and spas will remain closed except for those at hotels hosting tested guests.

In all other districts of Rwanda not named above, the following measures will apply:

·       Movements are prohibited between 6:00 PM and 4:00 AM.  All businesses must close by 5:00 PM.

·       Movements between districts are not allowed, except for medical reasons and other essential services.

·       All social gatherings including celebrations of all kinds are prohibited, both in public and private settings.  Traditional, civil, and religious weddings are prohibited.

·       Physical meetings may continue but must not exceed 30 percent of venue capacity, and negative COVID-19 results are required for all participants.

·       Restaurants and cafés may operate at 30 percent capacity and may receive clients until 5:00 PM.  All bars remain closed.

·       Places of worship adhering to health guidelines may continue to operate at 30 percent capacity.

·       Attendance at wakes or vigils (ikiriyo) must not exceed 10 people at any one time.  Funeral gatherings must not exceed 15 people.

The Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Rwanda.

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures.  The Rwandan authorities will apply penalties for non-compliance.

Consular services during this period will be limited and all routine appointments are canceled.  If you believe that you qualify for an emergency service, please e-mail ACSKigali@state.gov with an explanation of your circumstances.

The health situation in Rwanda remains fluid and the U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens prepare for possible future restrictions.

Please consult the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 website for additional information on conditions in Rwanda.

Actions to Take

·       Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 website.

·       Visit the State Department’s COVID-19 Traveler information page.

·       Call 114 or contact your nearest health facility if you have had close contact with a confirmed case or someone being evaluated for COVID-19.

For Assistance:

·       U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda
+250-252-596-400
ACSKigali@state.gov
https://rw.usembassy.gov

·       State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444

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