COVID-19: Over 70 caught violating government directives in Nyanza

Seventy-seven people were on Wednesday, July 28, arrested in Busasamana and Mukingo sectors of Nyanza District for allegedly flouting varied government Covid-19 prevention directives.

The violators include two, who were visiting a Covid-19 positive person in Mukingo sector.

Others include 34 people, who were found in one house holding a birthday party for their colleague, 25 caught during curfew hours and 12 others, who were not wearing face mask.

The sectors of Busoro, Mukingo, Kibirizi and Kigoma of Nyanza District are among the 50 sectors in the country that were also put under lockdown until August 10, due to the high infection rate.

The mayor of Nyanza District, Erasme Ntazinda, who was part of the enforcement team, warned residents against complacency, which continue to fuel further spread of Covid-19 and related fatalities.

“As you know, 50 sectors were recently added to the City of Kigali and other eight other districts, in lockdown including four in this district. These are deliberate government efforts to contain the high rate of Covid-19 infections, which are mainly fueled by such behaviours and practices,” Mayor Ntazinda told the violators.

He wondered how people are still engaging in social gatherings such as birthday parties, unnecessary movements, visiting Covid-19 positive people and not wearing facemask at the time when deaths continue to rise.

About 26 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Nyanza District on Wednesday, July 28, according to the results released by the Ministry of Health.

The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire thanked those who continue to observe the directives and support the enforcement efforts by reporting violators.

“All of you know well the ill-effects of Covid-19, including lives lost everyday. It is so sad that you can still behave in such reckless manner,” SP Kanamugire told the violators.

He warned of continued enforcement operations to penalize anyone, who disregard the directives and health guidelines.

All the violators were tested for Covid-19 at their own cost and handed administrative fines accordingly.(End)