Rwanda tightens virus rules as it records six Omicron cases

By JOHNSON KANAMUGIRE

Rwanda has tightened rules on gatherings, including a ban on night clubs, after health officials recorded six cases of the highly transmissible Covid variant, Omicron.

According to the Ministry of Health, the cases were confirmed through genomic sequencing of samples collected from travellers and their contacts.

A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame Tuesday revised virus rules, imposing restrictions on crowds, and calling for vaccination and regular testing as part of efforts to slow transmission of the new variant ahead of the end year festive season.

In particular, the Cabinet suspended all night clubs as well as live band entertainment in other venues, while organised concerts will be subjected to approval on case by case basis by relevant government officials.

Recreational and entertainment venues, like other events and gatherings such as concerts, exhibitions and festivals, had earlier been reopened for vaccinated and tested participants at 50 per cent of venue capacity.

Public and private sector offices, which had recalled workers and were operating at 75 per cent and full capacity, respectively, have been urged to operate at no more than 30 per cent and 50 per cent capacity, respectively.

All arriving passengers must quarantine for three days at designated hotels for three days with a PCR test taken on arrival, and additional test taken on day three and on day seven at own cost.