Kigali: People conducting sports activities outside their homes are violating government directives on the prevention of coronavirus spread, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said.
Following the lockdown, many people are seen on streets especially in the morning and evening hours running and riding bikes, among other sports activities, which CP Kabera described as “unnecessary movements.”
“The orders are very clear; people should only move out of their homes when they are going for essential things such as healthcare, foodstuff as well as those authorized to go for varied essential duties,” said CP Kabera.
“Sports activities out of your home are, therefore, not those essential activities you need in these period of the pandemic; they are unnecessary movements, which should be stopped,” he added.
The spokesperson further urged those going for essential services to always follow the recommended safety guidelines like not shaking hands, avoiding contact with other persons, washing hands regularly and maintaining one-metre distance.
“We have also observed people going to buy essential things in groups. You find two or three people from the same family saying that they are going to buy foodstuff; other people seat on shops in their communities, roadsides or just move on streets for any urgent reason. All these are prohibited.”
As part of the RNP efforts to enforce the orders, he said that they have increased operations as well as awareness using sound speakers, social media platforms and working with media houses to spread the message.
Police and other concerned entities including local authorities, he said, are working together to ensure that every beat of the directives are implemented and respected.
“We urge the general public to abide by the instructions because they are meant to save lives. Unnecessary movements can escalate the problem, and this will not be tolerated.”
“We call for the responsiveness of everyone rather than being forced. If there is anyone going beyond set boundaries, we urge those in their communities when they are going or coming from, to report them to protect themselves from catching the virus which can be transmitted by such errant members of the public.” (End)