Rwanda’s statement on New Covid19 Variant : As we are aware by now, a new Covid-19 variant was discovered by scientists sometime in November 2021 and though not much is known about that variant several countries have started implementing strategy to continue reinforce the Covid-19 safety precautions of course with the main aim of preventing the spread of Covid-19 among the people.
To that effect the Rwandan government has issued new guidelines for operations in the country especially operations related to entry and exit of the country and interactions with the public. In a statements that were released on the 26th and 28th November 2021 respectively, the government emphasized that the resolutions to reinforce these guidelines was to limit the spread of the new Covid-19 variant and covid-19 at large and to protect the progress the country has made since the reopening of the economy.
You should note that at the time of writing this article the new Covid-19 variant had not been detected in Rwanda and all the measures stated below were instated by the government for precaution purposes.
The following measures were communicated and took effect on the 28th of November 2021.
- Travelers to be subjected to a mandatory 24 hour quarantine in designated hotels at their own cost.
- All people in the country (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to observe and practice the Covid-19 preventive measures, which are:-
- Wearing of masks properly at all times
- Ensuring maximum ventilation in indoor spaces (keep doors and windows open as much as possible)
- Avoiding crowds, crowded spaces and unnecessary social gatherings
- Maintaining physical distance of at least one meter from others
- Washing or sanitizing bands frequently
- Temporary suspension of direct flights between Rwanda and Southern Africa
- All arriving and departing passengers at Kigali international Airport must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure.
- All arriving passengers must quarantine for 24 hours at a designated hotel at their own cost.
- All travellers subjected to a Covid-19 PCR test, to be taken upon arrival at their own cost, and an additional test, covered by the Government of Rwanda taken on day 7 from the arrival date, at a designated testing site.
- A 7-day quarantine at own cost will be required for passengers travelling from, or those with a recent history of travel in, particularly affected countries. These countries include: – Botswana. Eswatin, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe (This list continues to be updated by the Ministry of Health, following continuous assessment of global health conditions, in collaboration with the relevant institutions.)
- People attending events/gatherings including conferences, concerts, weddings, festivals or exhibitions must be fully vaccinated and tested. As much as possible, gatherings should take place outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces.
- All other existing health measures shall remain in force.
Rwanda continues to be one of top tourist destination in Africa and East Africa and with the festive season around the concern, this is one country you should not miss to visit.
