The Government of Rwanda has issued a raft of guidelines intended to curb the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019-COVID-19 after it eased the lockdown on Monday, May 4, 2020 to allow a substantial number of businesses to reopen.

Under such guidelines to mitigate COVID-19, the Government allowed public and private businesses to resume with essential staff not exceeding 50 percent of all of their workforce in a bid to observe the at the recommended at least one-metre social/physical distancing between a worker and another.

Government implored all employers to provide facemasks for all employees and ensure they are worn all the time at work to give them some protection from this highly infectious viral respiratory disease.

In Rwanda, confirmed cases also stand at 261, but no death has been recorded yet and all identified patients are in stable condition while 128 of them have so far been discharged after undergoing full recovery.

Globally, COVID-19 has affected more than 3.6 million people globally and killed more than 250,000 in just four months.

This article is built on the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the guidelines that have been in force since Monday, and their implementation.

What health precautions should be taken in the workplace and businesses that have reopened?

Keep one metre physical distance between people at all times, wear a mask in the presence of others, wash hands often and thoroughly or using hand sanitisers, and open windows to keep shared spaces well ventilated. 

Are markets open?

Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50 percent of registered traders.

How will the 50 percent directive on market vendors work?

Traders will be rotated according to their internal market arrangements to ensure continued business activity for all traders.

The management of markets with support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, local government entities and other concerned institutions have established mechanisms to ensure compliance with the 50 percent threshold.

Will hair salons open?

Yes. Hair salons will open but will have to apply strict hygiene measures, including appropriate physical distancing.

Will I be able to use public transport to go to work?

Yes. Public transport will be operational, with strict hygiene measures such as mandatory masks, handwashing, as well as appropriate physical distancing between passengers.

However, this is limited to buses and omnibuses. Motorcycle taxi operations are still prohibited.

How will passengers know where to sit in buses?

Service providers are required to clearly indicate with the use of signs, permitted passenger seats on buses. All passengers should adhere to the new rules.

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority RURA said on May 3, 2020 that public passenger transport buses are required to operate at half the normal passenger capacity so as to comply with social distancing measure.

Can I visit my relatives in another province/city?

Public and private transport between different provinces and the City of Kigali is not permitted.

However, transport of goods is permitted across the country.

Social visits, including to relatives and friends, even in unrestricted areas are generally discouraged and authorities said they eased the lockdown generally to allow for people to return to work.

Can weddings take place?

Weddings are not allowed.

Will places of worship open?

No. All places of worship will remain closed.

Will families in need continue to receive food support?

Yes. The Ministry of Local Government and local government entities will continue to provide assistance to families in need.

Will I be able to watch live band performances at a hotel?

No. Live bands, karaoke, and all other entertainment activities within hotels, bars and restaurants will remain closed. Night clubs and activities such as sauna, massage, swimming pool, gym, pool games, within hospitality establishments, will also remain closed.

Hotels and restaurants are open until 8pm.

Can I exercise outdoors?

Movement out of homes is permitted, including individual exercise (walking or jogging) before 8pm. However, it is not permitted to exercise or gather in groups.