COVID-19: Hospitality establishments urged on new precautionary measures

Police spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera

Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) urges owners and managers of hospitality establishments to follow safety guidelines issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to prevent the spread of Cononavirus (COVID-19).

In the new safety regulations released Wednesday by Rwanda Development Board owners of hotels/accommodation entities, restaurants, bars/pubs and night clubs are required to install hand washing and hand sanitizers in all establishments.

They are also required to temporarily stop entertainment activities like live bands, DJs, night clubs, pool table games until further notice.

Clients in restaurants should be served seated and should strictly observe at least one-meter distance.

Commenting on the new safety guidelines, RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that all those measures are for COVID-19 prevention and are in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.

“Rwanda National Police will continue to work with different government institutions to ensure that such guidelines meant to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19, are enforced,” CP Kabera said.

He added: “Owners and managers of all these hospitality establishments must insure that these health and hygiene directives are adhered to for their clients and staff to remain healthy and safe from this pandemic.”

“Equally, members of the public visiting these facilities should not look aside when these hygiene instructions are violated and their lives exposed to coronavirus; always be quick to report such facilities for immediate action.”

The spokesperson further reminded members of the public to follow other health and hygiene guidelines put in place, especially washing hands and avoiding handshakes.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus. It’s for your own safety; report anyone who violates these directives meant to save lives through any police communication channels including social media platforms and contacts.”

Health experts say that when someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. (End)