Rwanda records four new cases of coronavirus

Rwanda reported four new Coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the total infections to five, according to the health ministry.

The new cases all involve Rwandan nationals. Two patients arrived from Fiji and London respectively, while one patient was infected internally, the ministry said.

RwandAir, the national carrier, still operates weekly flights to London's Gatwick Airport.

The health ministry said they are searching for people who may have been in contact with the patients.

Rwanda now has the most Coronavirus cases of any East African nation. The authorities have closed all schools and banned all gatherings - including in places of worship - to prevent the spread of the virus.

President Paul Kagame on Sunday challenged leaders from neighbouring countries to join the World Health Organization (WHO) "Safe Hands challenge" that emphasizes hand washing as a preventive measure.

He tweeted about the challenge:

I joined @WHO #SafeHands challenge. Handwashing is key to preventing the spread of #COVID19. I challenge President Kenyatta @StateHouseKenya, @Macky_Sall, @MagufuliJP, President Tshisekedi @Presidence_RDC, @CyrilRamaphosa, @BorisJohnson, @KGeorgieva to join in by sharing a video pic.twitter.com/udaVPCexCJ

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) March 15, 2020