Rwanda National Police has warned the public against ignoring preventive measures put in place to contain coronavirus.

iThe warning comes two days after the government declared a countywide lockdown and allowing only essential services to remain in operation.

Given that a few banned activities continued to operate which undermines the effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, police have come out to declare that penalties await anyone found in contravention of the crackdwon that was announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday.

On their twitter handle, Rwanda National Police warned that unnecessary movements are prohibited and it is punishable by law if failed to adhere with the lock down measures.

Rwanda has, so far, registered 19 cases of the coronavirus. 

The Police’s spokesperson CP. John Bosco Kabera told The New Times that penalties are put in place and the police are ready to enforce the new measures.

Kabera had appeared before the public broadcaster Rwanda Television alongside the Minister of Local Government and Minister of Health on Sunday, March 22, to shed light on the new guidelines aimed at tackling the spread of coronavirus.

During the talk show, he said that unless there is an urgent reason to move, everyone should stay in their homes.

 "We understand some reasons for people to move but we will not take all flimsy excuses. Everyone should stay in their homes or we will intervene and will not hesitate to impose penalties," he said without mentioning the penalties. 

"People should understand the rationale for these measures. The virus is deadly. Collaboration is needed to face it,” he added.

Globally, the count of confirmed cases has risen to 342,393 confirmed cases and 14,762 deaths by Sunday.

Italy has been the worst hit with over 5,500 deaths at present.