The use of face masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor spaces in Rwanda, according to a communication from the Cabinet of Rwanda.

"Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory, however, people are encouraged to wear masks indoors," said the statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The cabinet emphasised that citizens and Rwandan residents must be fully vaccinated in order to access public places including public transport.

Fully vaccinated means having two doses (or one dose in the case of a Johnson&Johnson vaccine) as well as a booster shot, when eligible.

The government's decision is based on an improved COVID-19 situation whereby the country has witnessed a fall in COVID-19 infections since the beginning of 2022.

The transmission over the past seven days indicated only 59 new cases of COVID-19 and zero deaths recorded.

Rwanda has so far been able to vaccinate more than 60% of its population.