KIGALI, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan authorities on Thursday partially reopened the western border crossings with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) in Rubavu District, over seven months after Rwanda closed borders in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Although the Rwandan government reopened airports in August, land borders remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.
The partial reopening of the two border crossings in Rubavu, Western province, is going to facilitate movements of people such as students, teachers, medics, holders of small-scale traders passport and those with temporary regional travel permits used to travel in the region, Governor of Western province Alphonse Munyantwari told reporters in a news briefing in Rubavu.
In a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus, travellers are required to follow health protocols, including rapid tests for COVID-19 before being allowed to travel to their destinations, he said, stressing that the border is yet to be fully reopened.
Easing movements followed Monday's meeting between Munyantwari and Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, governor of DR Congo's North Kivu Province, which agreed on steps to enhance cross-border trade and stepping up measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The meeting also agreed to set up a joint mechanism for sharing information on the continued fight against COVID-19 as well as joint fight of illegal cross-border trade.
As of Wednesday, Rwanda reported 5,174 total cases with 4,930 recoveries and 35 deaths. Enditem
