The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Rwanda has reached 40, after four new cases were confirmed, according to Rwanda's Ministry of Health.

The four new cases include 2 travellers from Dubai, UAE and one traveller from Brussels, Belgium. The fourth person is a contact of a previously confirmed case, who was identified through tracing.

Rwanda was the first African country to impose a nation-wide lock-down, with only essential services allowed to remain in operation. On March 21, all unnecessary movements outside the home were banned for an initial two weeks, excluding essential services such as health care and grocery shopping.

Additionally, all international travellers have been put isolation since arrival into the country and were tested, according to the ministry.

Several African governments have since closed borders, canceled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to try to contain the spread of the outbreak.

Source: Ministry of Health in Rwanda