Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reinforced the national precautionary measures to keep the country free from coronavirus.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that apart from halting large gatherings especially its community outreach campaigns, the force is implementing the national and international health and preventive guidelines against the virus.

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Edouard Ngirente, last week, issued a public notice to prevent and mitigate the risk of coronavirus (COVID-2019) transmission.

Although there is no case of the virus reported in Rwanda so far, the Premier urged everyone to avoid, among others, handshaking and close body contact like hugging; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing in public; washing hands with clean water and soap or hand sanitizer; and to avoid contact with others whenever you have flu-like symptoms, cough and high fever.

"Rwanda National Police and other security organs are part of the government multidisciplinary team to assess and strengthen preparedness and response to the disease, and that means you have to lead by example,” CP Kabera said.

Washing hands is compulsory at the mechanical inspection centre in Remera. / Courtesy

He added: "We have extended these national precautionary measures such as to all Police officers and at all the RNP units, schools and in base-camps in UN missions where Rwandan Police peacekeepers are currently deployed.”

The deterrent measures include extending hand-washing and hand sanitizer facilities to the RNP General Headquarters, regional and Police units, Police stations and posts, Traffic and Road Safety department, the three RNP schools and Motor-vehicle Inspection Centre (MIC).

CP Kabera called upon all those seeking Police services at any of its offices, to follow these health guidelines, especially washing  hands and avoid handshakes.