The Nyabugogo market located at Kwa Mutangana, and Kigali City Market also known as Nyarugenge Market and the businesses in their vicinity were closed for one week, effective August 17 by the city of Kigali.

The development comes after more than 300 new cases were traced in Kigali in the last three days, largely traced in the two markets.

“All traders in the two markets and the businesses in their vicinity should stay at home in effort to prevent more spread of COVID-19.” Said Nyarugenge district statement, where the two markets are located.

Traders with perishable commodities were given 24 hours, starting on August 17, to find potential buyers.

They were also instructed to do two COVID-19 tests on August 17 and August 23 respectively.

“Anyone who will not comply with this will not be allowed to use their stand when the markets reopen,” reads the statement.

Moreover, the wholesalers who used to supply the food commodities to the two markets that were closed, were given alternative sites where to sell their commodities from.

Vegetables and fruits suppliers will be meeting their clients at Groupe Scolaire Kanyinya-Nyarugenge district which is located on Shyorongi hill.

Other wholesalers of the same commodities in other areas were given Gitikinyoni market and other parts of the city, while irish potatoes traders will use the Nzove Warehouses in Nyarugenge district.

On Monday, numbers were still high with 87 new COVID-19 cases in Rwanda which took the total confirmed cases to 2540 cases and the active cases to 871.

Traders with perishable commodities were given 24 hours, starting on August 17, to find potential buyers.

Traders were also instructed to do two COVID-19 tests on August 17 and August 23 respectively.