The Rwanda National Police has arrested hundreds of people for violating a curfew that went into effect across the country following the latest spike in COVID-19 cases, a police source revealed Friday in Kigali.
The spokesperson of Rwandan police, Commissioner of Police ( CP), John Bosco Kabera said that those arrested were tested onthe spot at night and their profiles documented.
The new measures, according to CP Kabera, include digital recording of identities of every violator to inform “serious actions” in case of recidivism.
“We have started a new digital system to keep detailed data on everyone, including motorists and pedestrians, who breach the directives to inform severe actions when you are caught again,” he said.
The stringent measures also include reporting the violators as well as those who lie, to their respective employers for further penalties.
Some of those arrested were taken to different sports stadiums in the city for questioning, and those with reasonable reasons like coming from hospitals or attending emergencies would be free, while others with invalid excuses would be fined or given warnings, according to him.
Following new lockdown measures, bars and schools including other entertainment gatherings are still prohibited from operations.
However, there are incidences where restaurants are serving alcohol which in effect attracts revelers thereby abusing anti Covid-19 measures, according to the senior Police officer.
As of Thursday, Rwanda reported 47 new COVID-19 cases bringing the country’s total to 3,672.
The number of recoveries increased from 1,810 to 1,863, while deaths remained at 1, the ministry of Health said.
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CU/as/APA