The country recorded 16 new Covid-19 deaths between December 15, 2020, and January 4, 2021, as 357 more people tested positive for the virus, the Ministry of Health has said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry noted that “results of COVID-19 tests done on January 4, 2021, confirmed 357 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 36,407. 16 COVID-19 deaths reported between December 15, 2020, and to-date have been investigated and confirmed.”
The Ministry of Health noted that the deaths were reported from various parts of the country
The breakdown of the new cases is, Kampala (181) Wakiso (71) Mbarara (18) Soroti (15) Kisoro (8) Kiruhura (8) Kiboga (6) Kabarole (5) Arua (5) Masindi (4) Hoima (4) Rubirizi (4) Tororo (4) Gulu (4) Lyantonde (3) Luwero (3) Busia (2) Amuru (2) Ibanda (1) Nakaseke (1) Nebbi (1) Kasese (1) Apac (1) Isingiro (1) Mbale (1) Kagadi (1) Lwengo (1) Buhweju (1).
There has been a worrying trend of the increase of Covid-19 infections and deaths in the country with many health experts calling on the government to initiate a second lockdown and restrictions. Some of the cases have been attributed to the campaign period as candidates disregard the Ministry of Health and Electoral Commission guidelines of not addressing public rallies, wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a social distance.
Rwanda issues new guidelines
Rwanda Government on Monday announced new COVID-19 restrictions aimed at curbing further spread of the Covid-19 following the increase in cases.
By Tuesday Rwanda had recorded 9,020 cases, with 6,880 recoveries and 109 deaths.
The country’s Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente in a communique dated Monday, January 4th, noted that Cabinet had sat on the same day to discuss the rise in COVID-19 cases and agreed to put in place new measures that will take effect starting today Tuesday, January 5th, 2020.
As part of the new measures, Dr. Ngirente announced that movements were prohibited from 8:00 pm to 4: 00 am and also banned public and private transport to and from city of Kigali
“All business establishments including restaurants, shops, markets, and malls will close daily by 6:00 pm. Public and private transport is prohibited to and from the city of Kigali as well as between different districts. Travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services. Additionally, vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with not more than two people on board,” the Prime Minister announced.
All social gatherings and events including religious, wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and conferences were prohibited. Public gyms and swimming pools were restricted from the public with an exception of tested guests staying at hotels.
