Places of worship or prayer services are only permitted to resume under the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government and upon approval by local authorities.

The guidelines were put in place to curb the spread of novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Humdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern Region Police Spokesperson said that they were found praying in the wild, which was risky and contrary to the government directives.

“Residents gave us information that people are violating the directives put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus and gathered for prayers. During the operation, we found 42 people from different faith groups gathered at the mountain at about 2 PM,” CIP Twizeyimana explained.

He added: “They were all aware that what they were doing is prohibited but chose to do it anyway. They chose to undermine the directives and put their lives in danger.

These people came from different places, gathered on that mountain, and one infected person could easily contaminate others and spread the virus.”

They have been isolated at a premise in Rugarama sector.

CIP Twizeyimana warned against breaching the government orders and derailing efforts to combat the pandemic of COVID-19.

“People should understand that such prohibited gatherings don’t only put their lives at stake but also those of others in their families and communities, and hampering the government efforts to combat the virus. Such behaviors shouldn’t be tolerated and should be reported,” the spokesperson said.

CIP Twizeyimana reminded members of the public to also follow other health and hygiene guidelines put in place, especially washing hands, avoiding handshakes, and wearing facemasks.

He further warned that whoever breaches the directives meant to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be arrested.

Forty-two people were arrested on Thursday July 16, in Gihuta Cell after they were found gathered for prayers in the bush