Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Health have updated the list of hotels and restaurants that where clients will be requested to present negative results for Covid-19 to be allowed to dine there.

According to a statement from RDB, the hotels have been increased from four to thirteen whereas restaurants were scaled up to 40 from 11.

The decision which takes effect on Friday, June 25, follows a recent spike in Covid-19 numbers which prompted the government to impose strict Covid-19 measures nationwide.

In the past three days of this week, the country has recorded 2,442 infections with 15 deaths.

According to the guidelines for these specific facilities, all staff and walk-in clients will present a negative Covid-19 test to the designated staff who must scan the QR Code on the client’s certificate and access the RBC app for authenticity confirmation, according to the statement released by RDB.

"The tests must be taken within seven and fourteen days for visiting clients and staff respectively after being conducted by designated clinics at own cost but hotels together with private clinics may arrange an on-site testing room,” reads the statement signed by RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi.

RDB warns that only trained medical personnel from accredited clinics are allowed to conduct the tests and the results have to be uploaded into the national health management information system.

Hotels and restaurants have also been urged to respect the 30 per cent occupancy to ensure social distancing.

They were also encouraged where possible to introduce outdoor dining, to create more space and reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19.