On Monday, January 18th 2021, His Excellency Paul KAGAME, the President of the Republic of Rwanda chaired a virtual Cabinet meeting.

1. The Cabinet approved resolutions of the previous meeting held on January 4th 2021.

2. Upon assessment of the recent unprecedented rise in cases, deaths, and transmission rates in the community, the Cabinet called on Rwandans to heighten vigilance in observing COVID-19 health guidelines in order to slow the spread of the virus. The surge in cases specifically in the City of Kigali has necessitated a lockdown. Citizens are urged to significantly reduce social interactions and limit movements only to essential services.

The following measures will take effect immediately to be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.

Specific measures in the City of Kigali.

a. Unnecessary movements including visits outside home are prohibited except for essential services including medical/healthcare, food shopping, banking etc and for the personnel performing such services. All movements will require an approved permit from Rwanda National Police. A complete list of essential services will be shared by the Ministry of Local Government.

b. Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted, except for tourism or essential services.

c. Public transport is prohibited however transportation of food and essential goods will continue to function. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.

d. All employees (public and private) shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.

e. Businesses are closed, except distribution and delivery services as well as those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel, and other essential items but will operate at 30% capacity. Businesses permitted to operate must close by 6 PM.

f. Restaurants and cafés will only provide take-away service.

g. All schools (public and private) including universities are closed however remote learning is encouraged.

h. Places of worship are closed.

i. Kigali international airport will remain open, arriving passengers must present a negative PCR taken within 120 hours prior to their first departure. Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before depature.

j. Designated hotels for arriving passengers will remain open under strict COVID-19 prevention measures. RDB will share complete list of approved hotels.

k. Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID – 19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services faciliting guests. Tourists and service providers shall inform RDB of itineraries.

l. Hotels will only host essential conferences upon written approval from RDB. Detailed guidelines will be provided by RDB.

a. Farming will continue for the ongoing agricultural season while observing COVID – 19 control measures.

m. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons.

Measures in the remaining part of the country

b. Movements are prohibited from 6 PM to 4 AM.

c. Places of worship are closed.

d. Schools will continue while respecting COVID – 19 control measures.

e. All bars will remain closed.

f. All social gatherings and events including religious weddings ceremonies, receptions, meetings and conferences are prohibited.

g. Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with the exception of tested guests staying at hotels.

h. Attendance at a wake/vigil (Ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time.

i. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons.

j. Gaming activities remain prohibited.

3. The Cabinet approved establishment of a technology support center in Rwanda by TEK Experts.

4. The Cabinet approved the following:

- Draft law modifying law determining state finances for the 2020/2021 fiscal year.

- Draft organic law amending organic law on governing elections.

- Presidential order determining elective posts at the village, cell, sector and electoral colleges.

- Prime Minister’s order determining members of the executive committee of national councils and modalities for elections.

- Ministerial order relating to the national report on climate change.

5. The Cabinet approved the following country representatives of international organizations in Rwanda:

- Ms. Aissa Toure Sarr, Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.

- Mr. Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya, Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.

6. AOBs

- The Minister of Youth and Culture informed Cabinet of the National Heroes Day observed on February 1st 2021. Related activities will be organized from January 24th – 31st via multiple media platforms through radio, television as well as social media.

Kigali, January 18th 2021.

Dr. Edouard Ngirente

Prime Minister