Rwanda Halts Sunday Church Services As Country Records First Coronavirus Case

Rwandans will be praying from home beginning Sunday, March 15th, according to new guidelines by the country’s health ministry.

This comes on the heels of the first confirmed coronavirus case in the East African nation on Saturday.

“Places of worship are closed from Sunday, March 15th, 2020, with prayers to be conducted from home,” the statement from the health ministry says.

As part of the guidelines, schools and higher education institutions shall close on Monday, the statement adds.

The measures will be in force for two weeks.

On Saturday, the country announced that it had recorded its first case of the now dreaded coronavirus, saying an Indian citizen who recently flew into the country was the patient.

Large gatherings such as weddings and sports events are being postponed as part of the measures to prevent the spread.

President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandans not to panic.

The statement from Rwanda’s health ministry