COVID-19: The City of Kigali closes markets as cases spike

By George Kalisa

Authorities in the City of Kigali have closed some Nyarugenge District markets and shops in their neighbourhoods, effective August17, following most recent reports from the Ministry of Health that indicate a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

The affected markets include the City of Kigali market and another one locally known as Kwa Mutagana in Nyabugogo. The directive that takes effect today will last for a week.

“Authorities Nyarugenge district and management of the market at Mutangana in Nyabugogo  will inform foodstuff traders a temporary location,” said a statement issued by the City of Kigali on Sunday.

Dealers in perishable goods are advised to transfer their commodities with immediate effect and follow COVID-19 preventive measures in the process of relocation to a temporary place that had not been established by press time.

Meanwhile, Rwanda recorded 101 new cases of the new Coronavirus on Sunday bringing the total to Rwanda has 2,453. Kigali recorded 80 new cases with high risk zones such as Nyabugongo Market having a huge share.

The border districts of Rubavu and Rusizi registered 9 cases each while Nyamasheke and Huye 2 and 1 respectively.

Rwanda has recorded 8 deaths including a recent case of a 37-year old.

At least 334, 270 people had tested positive including 4,796 new cases in Rwanda by August16 while recoveries had shot up to 1,648 including 17 new ones.  

In a related development, Rwanda’s Ministry of Local Government said on Sunday that 253 new cases had been recorded within the last three days across the country 219 of them are from the City of Kigali.