Update on Covid restrictions in Rwanda
Over recent weeks there has been a substantial rise in the number of Covid infections in Rwanda which are averaging around 800 new cases a day in early August.
The last month has seen the highest levels of infection in the country since the pandemic began, and the Government is responding by instituting lockdown measures in areas most affected.
Over the 2 weeks to 10 August the sector where our partner SACCA is based, Mukarange in Kayonza District, is subject to lockdown, as are 5 others in the District. This means that movements outside the home are limited to essential services – healthcare, food, banking. Offices are generally closed, though SACCA remains open as an essential service – except staff levels are low due to general restrictions and limits imposed on travel between areas.
Last week SACCA was given special permission to visit families in urgent need where children have been reintegrated, taking food and hygiene materials to their homes. In Mukarange, food and soap was taken to a local government office and families came to collect much needed supplies.
Most school children are on holiday. All of the children SACCA supports in secondary education were able to sit for their national exams and they managed to finish despite the difficult year. But children in the lower years of primary school were due to start an extended school year this week, as the government has lengthened their academic year to allow pupils to catch up on lost time, so this has been further interrupted.
Checks are being done on the status of families where children have been reintegrated, and SACCA is directing support to those cases. But just as in the first lockdown SACCA is finding growth in need from those who are usually well established due to the disruption caused. Many former SACCA children who now have their own families are finding it difficult, particularly those involved in transport or day labour.
We are keeping in touch with SACCA to understand how best to offer support as the situation evolves.