The Rwandan health ministry has urged the country's citizens to wear face masks when going out for essential activities and even when they are at home.
Health Minister Dr Daniel Ngamije said this during an interview with the public broadcaster, Rwanda Television.
"In addition to other Covid-19 precautionary measures, we urge citizens to wear face masks when going for essential activities and when at home because they have proved to be effective in preventing this virus worldwide," said Ngamije.
Ngamije had previously called on citizens to leave masks for use by Covid-19 patients as well as health practitioners directly interacting with these patients, according to The New Times.
“From Monday (April 20) local companies will start making masks to help supply affordable quantities on the market. Wearing masks will be effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19," said Ngamije.
The German government has also announced that it is under pressure to make mask-wearing compulsory in public after the success of a city-wide trial.
Liberia, Morocco, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya are some African countries that have ordered the compulsory wearing of masks. South Africa is also encouraging citizens to wear face masks in public places.
The number of Covid-19 cases in Rwanda reached 147 after three patients were diagnosed with the viral disease, Rwanda's Ministry of Health posted on Twitter on Sunday.
Rwanda extended its Covid-19 lockdown on Friday until April 30.
The health ministry said that currently all positive patients are in a stable condition at designated treatment facilities.
Rwanda has not registered any Covid-19-related deaths within its boundaries, according to the ministry.
- African News Agency