Rwanda police deploy drones in fight against coronavirus spread

The Rwanda National Police has deployed drones to raise awareness about the coronavirus pandemic.

The drones are part of efforts by the police to raise awareness on the COVID-19 disease that has seen the government impose a lockdown since March 15.

“As drones pass your neighborhoods, we ask you: 1. Listen carefully the message. 2. Don’t leave your home to view the drones. 3. Don’t gather in large groups when drones deliver messages. Stay Home, protect your life and that of others. Save lives,” the police statement reads.

So far, Rwanda has reported 120 cases of coronavirus with 18 people said to have recovered and been discharged from hospital care.

According to VOA, Rwanda was the first nation in Africa to be placed on lockdown on March 15 for at least 14 days in an effort to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

The lockdown was however extended to April 19.

A statement issued by the office of the prime minister said “observing the global trend of the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need to take additional steps to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread further in Rwanda.”

Unnecessary movement and visits outside the home by the country’s 12 million citizens are not permitted, except for essential services such as health care, food shopping or banking, and for the personnel performing such services.

All employees, public and private, are expected to work from home, except for those providing essential services.

Rwanda has also closed its borders, except for shipments of goods and cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantining at designated locations.

Additionally, travel between cities and districts of the country is not permitted, except for medical reasons or essential services. All bars are closed.

Additional report from VOA