Rwandan health officials started Tuesday to issue ‘COVID-19 test certificates” to people wishing to travel abroad ahead in the resumption of international flights on August.1, as part of a larger effort to safely ease the country back to a relative normal.During the first exercise of voluntary testing services for Covid-19 that was conducted early Tuesday, this paid services has been given to people with high-risk of contracting this virus such as cross-border traders and truck-drivers and those who are planning to travel abroad ahead of resumption of international flight next week.
According to the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), this service will be provided at the National Reference Laboratory, located in Kigali, at a cost of around Rwf50,000 (about $52 USD) per test to Rwandans and $100 per test to foreigners.
According to him, genuine results are obtained after two Covid-19 tests, leaving a period of 7 days between the two tests.
Those going outside the country are also expected to undergo this test depending on health guidelines set by their destination, it said.
Having closed its borders on 20 March, the Rwandan government plans to reopen airports on 1 August for scheduled commercial traffic. The East African country’s airports reopened to private and charter tourist flights on 17 June.
All passengers, including those in transit will be required to show proof of COVID-19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory, taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda. “For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost,” the government said.
Measurements put in place by Rwanda’s airports to safeguard passengers and staff include hand sanitisers, physical distancing markings, disinfection of the airport and equipment.
In addition comprehensive guidelines to ensure safe operations were established where passengers will also be required to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in Rwanda.
