Police urges on respect for directives on holding functions

Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged those holding varied events to be responsive to the recommended safety guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that the force remains prepared and ready to ensure that the Cabinet resolutions as well as instructions issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

“Tourism, meetings in hospitality establishments, and religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals are allowed but under strict guidelines, which must be adhered for everyone to be safe and to prevent the spread of the pandemic,” said CP Kabera.

The guidelines on religious or wedding ceremonies, for example, only 30 people are allowed either in church or at the reception. The same guidelines apply to funeral functions.

For related church functions, chairs must be cleaned with water and soap or sanitized before and after use; wash or sanitize hands before entering the holy place; ensure 2-metre distance, wear facemask with exception of the bride and groom; no exchange of microphones, the bible or Quran; no laying hands on the brides, among other guidelines.

Events can also be held in larger or open spaces in consideration of the directives to prevent being the source of the infection.

The same goes for the hospitality establishments, which are required to host events in consideration of the national directives to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“We have some services that have been resumed but we urge people to respect the numbers and other directives put in place. If it is 30 people, they have to be 30. They should also respect rules put in place by the Local Government concerning ceremonies. People who will violate them will face the consequences accordingly,” CP Kabera said.

CP Kabera reminded the public to make a good choice of not being the source of Coronavirus wherever they are.

“Motorcyclists, passengers, those holding ceremonies and the general public going about their errands should be responsive, take individual responsibility not to be the source but the catalyst in the fight against the pandemic by respect every bit of the recommended safety guidelines.”

“Wearing the face-mask well by covering your mouth and nose, and at all times when in public; respect distancing; prioritise your movements to consider only those necessary; avoid shaking hands or hug; wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap or use hand sanitizer; respect the curfew,” the spokesperson emphasized.

He thanked those who have taken the right choice under the campaign “NtabeAriNjye” to respect the safety guidelines and reporting the violators. (End)