Read 2 minutes

Three hospitality establishments have been closed in the City of Kigali and owners arrested for breaching the government directives meant to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

The establishments are Cuppa Coffee in Downtown in Nyarugenge District, Cincinnati and Miami Family in Niboyi and Gikondo, respectively, both in Kicukiro District.

At Cuppa Coffee, authorities, on Friday, found 21 youngsters holding a birthday party in a congested room.

At Miami Family, authorities found 14 people in a social gathering drinking at about 8 PM, the time when everyone was supposed to be home.

Nine people were also found drinking at a Cincinnati Bar, this despite the directive that bars should remain closed at all times

Cuppa Coffee proprietor, Damien Sibomana wondered why his manager went against the clear directives.

“The government directives are clear and in addition to that, I also personally gave them instructions against any parties, to allow not more than 35 people inside, clients to wash hands before entering and to ensure that they sit according to the sitting arrangement organized in respect of social distancing,”

Nyarugenge District Executive Administrator, Emmy Ngabonziza emphasized that any business found operating contrary to the safety guidelines will face severe consequences, including closure.

“Parties or social gatherings are prohibited; it’s our role as local leaders in partnership with Rwanda National Police and hospitality establishments to ensure that everything is done in compliance with the directives,” Ngabonziza said

He further mentioned the role of parents and guardians to educate their children on the pandemic and the safety guidelines to prevent them from engaging in such risky events.