The cabinet meeting of 14th December 2020 issued new COVID-19 preventive measures that prohibited all forms of social gatherings including wedding ceremonies in public or private settings.
Following the decision, some people were caught for organizing weddings. They were educated and fined for violating instituted guidelines.
The statement released yesterday signed by the Minister of Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka indicates that only people who entered Rwanda from abroad for wedding purposes can be allowed to proceed after presenting tangible reasons.
' We would like to inform you that people coming from abroad for wedding plans, can be allowed to do civil marriage and religious wedding in a ceremony that must not attract more than 10 participants including the bride and groom,' reads the statement in part.
It further reads that participants should go for COVID-19 test and present negative results ahead of ceremonies. The reception is not allowed.
'The application for wedding permission is submitted to the mayor of the district citing reasons for the emergency [passport, visa or booked ticket among others],'adds the statement.
Others have been urged to postpone wedding ceremonies until further notice as the pandemic reduces.
Rwanda confirmed the first case in March 2020. Since then, 7402 people have been tested positive out of 694,450 sample tests of whom 6100 have recovered, 1237 are active cases while 65 have succumbed to the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
IGIHE
