Three of the violators later tested positive for Covid-19 following the tests that carried out on all the 24 women.

Those who returned positive results include one Epiphanie Nyiramafaranga, 52, who had hosted the bridal shower for her daughter at their home in Kabudundu Village.

The women had come from different villages of Muko, Rwaza, and Muhoza sectors. Some of the violators claimed they were ignorant about some of the directives.

Nyiramafaranga also argued that she had invited very few people and never expected a big turn-up.

"All these are my friends, although I had invited only few, but when others got to know about it they all came to support my daughter and it became hard for me to turn them back," Nyiramafaranga argued.

Musanze District Police Commander (DPC), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jean Pierre Kanobayire said the violator were found at Nyiramafaranga’s home at about 4pm, following a tip-off from a local resident.

"Police was informed by the resident about the prohibited gathering at Nyiramafaranga’s home. When Police arrived there, they found 24 women overcrowded in the living room fundraising for her daughter’s wedding scheduled for next month," said SSP Kanobayire.

He added: "They were all isolated at Nkumba isolation site but so far three of them including the host, Nyiramafaranga, have turned positive for Covid-19.

More tests will be carried out on all other women, who returned negative results and they will remain at the isolation centre where they will continue to be monitored."

He warned that as directed by the Cabinet, parties in all settings are prohibited.

"This is why the government put a ban on all parties because such gatherings ignite the spread of the virus.

You can imagine 24 people from different places converging in a small room, no social distancing nor face masks and the ventilation system is not adequate. As we have been advised by health experts, the virus spreads fast in such circumstances."

He warned against such reckless and inappropriate behavours, and called upon the public to continue sharing information on all violations, including those holding prohibited social gatherings such as parties.