14 March 2020 – Large gatherings banned, distancing requirements and work from home encouraged

Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Civil Defence, Executive Office, Finance/Economy, Health, Immigration, Private Sector and Businesses, Education
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Adapting or closing schools; Adapting or closing offices, businesses, institutions, and operations; Gatherings, businesses, and services
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: Ministry of Health

Overview: Statement on New Measures to Prevent COVID-19 Coronavirus Transmission
Following assessment by the 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:•Places of worship are closed from Sunday 15 March 2020, with prayers to be conducted from home•Schools and higher education institutions (both public and private) shall close on Monday 16 March 2020•Employees should be permitted to work from home wherever possible, in consultation with their employers•Large gatherings such as weddings and sporting events are to be postponed, and the number of people attending burial ceremonies should be minimised•Businesses and restaurants continue to operate, but adequate distance between customers must be maintained (at least 1 meter)•Unnecessary movements should be avoided, and public transport must not be overcrowded and hygiene and social distancing are the only effective methods of preventing transmission of coronavirus. Citizens are therefore reminded of the critical importance of frequent hand washing and of avoiding unnecessary physical contact with others. Ordinary soap is the most effective product for hand-washing, followed by alcohol-based sanitizer. The use of face masks is only recommended for patients and those in direct contact with patients. Any person with the classic symptoms of COVID-19 coronavirus (dry cough, high fever) should stay at home and call the toll-free number 114 for further guidance or consult a Community Health Worker.
Full details here: https://www.rbc.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/annoucement/GoR-MOH%20statement%20final.pdf

Other links: 1
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – government
Evidence/Justification: Following assessment by the Ministry of Health