The decision was among expected resolutions of the meeting that took place at Village Urugwiro yesterday chaired by President Paul Kagame.

The 18th Umushyikirano was scheduled on Thursday 16th December 2020.

Preparations for the council were underway while 500 participants were expected to go for COVID-19 test since Tuesday this week.

“Given the current trend of COVID – 19, the Cabinet has postponed all national events including Umushyirano,” reads the second resolution of the cabinet meeting.

Following the cancellation of Umushyikirano, President Kagame is expected to deliver State of the Nation Address on 21st December 2020. The address is expected to comfort Rwandans especially during these difficult times when COVID-19 affected the country putting economy at a downturn.

The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Rwanda on 14th March 2020. As of today, 6747 people have been tested positive out of 671,223 sample tests of whom 5996 have recovered, 695 are active cases while 56 have succumbed to the virus.

Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.