Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has issued new Covid guidelines for restaurants, hotels and general tourism which includes a mandatory Covid-19 test for anyone who wants to patronize a hotel.

They can only be allowed into the hotel after presenting a negative result that was taken within seven days.

The new guidelines follow resolutions by Cabinet on July 30, which allowed for resumption of local tourism after the lockdown on the City of Kigali and eight districts was lifted effective Sunday, August 1.

Restaurant and Cafés        

According to the statement, while restaurants and cafes have been allowed to open, they will only offer takeaway services.

They were also asked to ensure their employees are tested for Covid at least every after 14 days.

Hotels

Regarding hotel restaurants, in-house guests or people attending conferences or meetings in these hotels can dine-in, but with strict observance to Covid-19 preventive measures.

The hotels are allowed to host meetings and conferences but not exceed 30 per cent of the venue capacity.

"And all meeting attendees should have a valid negative Covid test result taken in the last seven days,” read in the statement.

"For all the guests who are staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments, they must provide a valid negative Covid-19 test result taken within 7 days,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the swimming pools, gyms, and spa facilities within hotels and other accommodation establishments remain closed to the general public but can be used by in-house guests in strict adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures.

Tourism

"International and domestic tourists are welcome to engage in tourism activities across the country and should do so before curfew hours. Where this is not possible especially for those coming from national park visitations, movement clearances will be provided to ensure a very smooth experience while respecting Covid-19 guidelines”.