COVID-19: Rwanda issues directive for restaurants to register customers for service

In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Rwanda Development Board has issued a new directive to all hospitality establishments in the country. The directive requires restaurants and other establishments to register all customers entering their premises. Customers are required to provide their full name, phone number, time of visit, and district of residence. The information collected is to be kept confidential and will only be used for contact tracing efforts in the case of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Speaking to CNBC Africa, restaurant owner and District Zone Chairman for the Rwanda Hospitality Association, Derrick Kyaruhinda, shared his thoughts on the new measure. He expressed that the feedback from the group has been positive, with everyone understanding the need to play their role in the fight against COVID-19. Kyaruhinda mentioned that similar practices are already being carried out in other institutions, and he believes that the new directive is a necessary step in the current circumstances. When asked about the implementation of the directive, Kyaruhinda explained that initially, the registration process will be manual. The establishments will use sign-in books to collect the required information while exploring digital alternatives for the future. He suggested the possibility of using a portal or platform that would allow business owners to input the data collected from customers at the end of each day. Kyaruhinda highlighted that he does not believe the new measure will deter customers from visiting restaurants. He emphasized the importance of everyone playing their part in adhering to the guidelines to ensure public safety. He mentioned that the registration process could aid in contact tracing efforts, making it easier to track and notify individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases. Reflecting on the reopening of restaurants after the lockdown, Kyaruhinda noted that the operations have not returned to business as usual. While some customers have returned, the establishments are operating at about 40 to 50 percent capacity to comply with social distancing protocols. He explained that the sector has had to make adjustments and continually tweak measures to adapt to the new guidelines. In terms of challenges faced by the sector, Kyaruhinda acknowledged the government's efforts in providing timely information and support through initiatives like the COVID relief fund. He encouraged businesses to explore the available assistance to address issues such as working capital, rehiring staff, and adjusting business models. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and industry associations to navigate through the challenges collectively. One of the challenges mentioned by Kyaruhinda was related to increased licensing fees for goods coming into the country, which has impacted the cost for businesses. He emphasized the need to monitor the situation closely and plan accordingly to sustain operations in the current environment. The sector remains committed to working together and finding ways to overcome the obstacles posed by the ongoing crisis. As Rwanda continues to implement measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, the hospitality sector is adapting to the new directives while prioritizing the health and safety of customers and staff. The collaboration between stakeholders and the proactive approach taken by establishments like Chomad exemplify the resilience and dedication to navigating through these unprecedented times.