Ten of the 50 administrative sectors that were placed under lockdown a fortnight ago will remain under stay-at-home orders until at least August 31.

The sectors include Byimana in Ruhango District, Tumba and Gishamvu in Huye District, Rukara, Murundi, Nyamirama and Mwiri sectors in Kayonza District, as well as Muhura, Remera and Kageyo sectors in Gatsibo District, according to a statement from the Ministry of Local Government.

The announcement came after the cabinet Wednesday evening eased several Covid-19 restrictions elsewhere across the country.

According to the statement, signed by the Local Government minister Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi, the decision to lift lockdowns in 40 sectors and to extend the stay-at-home orders in 10 others was informed by an assessment conducted by health authorities.

Figures show that the ten sectors still have a high positivity rate and therefore require special attention, the statement adds. 

Each of the 10 sectors has a positivity rate above 5 per cent, with the sectors in Eastern Province particularly seeing higher rates: Rukara (12%) Murundi (9.4%) Muhura (8.8%), Remera (8.7%), Mwiri (8.5%), Nyamirama (7.9%), and Kageyo (6%).

In Southern Province, Tumba Sector tops with 8%, followed by Gishamvu at 7.5%, and then Ruhango at 5.4%.

Health authorities say a Covid positivity rate above 4.9% is too high and needs special measures to contain.

However, agricultural activities in each of the 10 sectors will continue in compliance with existing Covid preventive measures, the ministry said.