Coronavirus: All schools closed in Rwanda, gov’t to provide free transport for boarding students

All schools and higher learning institutions in Rwanda will be closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 following confirmation of the first COVID-19 (coronavirus) case in the country.

The Rwandan government through the Ministry of Education will provide free transport for all students in boarding schools to be taken back home.

According to Rwandan news outlet, The Chronicles, the return of students back home began on Sunday in South Province where learners converged at a local stadium for medical screening as they boarded the buses.

“In phased return home, all boarding school students in South Province schools are converging in local stadium, washing hands, temperatures taken and boarding buses paid for by Government. Other provinces will follow. All students MUST be home by Monday evening,” stated the news outlet.

#COVIDー19 UPDATE: In phased return home, all boarding school students in South Province schools are converging in local stadium, washing hands, temperatures taken and boarding buses paid for by Government. Other provinces will follow. All students MUST be home by Monday evening pic.twitter.com/SI0O3LcgrX

— The Chronicles (@ChroniclesRW) March 15, 2020

Rwanda confirmed its first case of coronavirus on Saturday with the patient being an Indian citizen who arrived in from Mumbai on March 8 but presented himself to a health facility on March 13.

Among other measures taken by the Rwandan government to contain the spread of the disease include closing of  worship places with prayers to be conducted from home.

The country’s Health Ministry further directed that employees be permitted to work from home wherever possible “in consultation with their employers.’

Larger gatherings such as weddings and sporting events are also to be postponed, with the government advising that the number of people attending burials be minimised.

“Businesses and restaurants continue to operate, but adequate distance between customers must be maintained (at least 1 meter),” added the Ministry.

Members of public in Rwanda have also been urged to avoid unnecessary movements, as well overcrowding at public transport areas.