Rwanda on Thursday recorded 18 new coronavirus cases, the highest of the week, contributed mainly by citizens arriving from neighbouring countries.
The country has seen a rise in the number of positive cases since the beginning of June and has placed two border districts - Rusizi and Rubavu bordering the DRC - under total lockdown even as the rest of the country slowly eases back to normal life.
Coronavirus was detected among clusters of Rwandans repatriated from Tanzania and DR Congo, which led to the surge in the identified cases, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Director of Rwanda Biomedical Centre, told The East African.
No positive cases were reported from another group of 53 Rwandans repatriated from the United Arab Emirates in late April, most of who have been left quarantine and joined their families.
A group of 130 Rwandans coming from Uganda last week are also under quarantine, but no positive cases have been reported among them.
