Rwanda has loosened restrictions after 45 days of coronavirus lockdown, even though a nationwide night-time curfew will be enforced and movement in and out of the capital, Kigali, is prohibited.
On Monday, roads in Kigali were busy again, in a city considered to be a hotspot for infections. People are adhering to mandatory mask wearing and social distancing.
Many are happy that normal life has resumed but there is discontent that fares in public transport have been hiked after buses were ordered to carry half of their capacity to ensure social distancing.
Elise Mukamabano said the cost of a one-way 20km (12.4 miles) trip to Kigali, where she works in a restaurant, has doubled to 750 Rwandan francs ($0.90).
“It is another burden after more than one month stuck home earning nothing,” she told the BBC.
Aimé François Nduwumwe said he is excited to reopen his computer-selling business “after 45 hard days at home”.
“I am very happy, being out and able to hustle again is what matters most to me,” he said.
Bars, sports facilities, schools and churches remain closed.
Rwanda has so far recorded 259 coronavirus cases and no fatalities.
BBC Africa
