Rwanda has banned all unnecessary movements and visits outside homes nationwide in a two-week Covid-19 lockdown that will see only essential businesses allowed to operate.

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente indicated in a statement that the country borders were closed to non-citizens while travels between different cities and districts are not permitted.

“Borders are closed except for goods and cargo, returning citizens and legal residents, who will be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine,” states the new measures effective midnight Saturday March 21.

Government attributed the new restrictive measures to the need for additional steps to limit further spread of the coronavirus after the country recorded 17 infections on Friday March 20.

All shops and markets have been ordered to close except those selling food, hygiene and cleaning products, fuel or banking, among other essential items.

Urban and rural bars, which were earlier allowed to open until 9pm and 7pm respectively have also been ordered to close as restaurants and cafés will only provide take-away service.