Two people have already died in Goma, including one on the morning of July 31. The border was closed to “avoid unnecessary crossings” to the city, said Gilbert Habayarimana, the mayor of Rubavu district in western Rwanda.
The largest crossing point between Rwanda and the DRC reopened after 12 hours. A smaller crossing point is expected to reopen later in the day on Aug. 1.
The Congolese presidency said it “deplore[d] this decision, which runs counter to the advice of the WHO.” The WHO had previously discouraged neighboring countries from using travel and trade restrictions to contain the outbreak.
Several Rwandans who cross the border for work expressed concerns to BBC News, saying they fear they will starve if they the border doesn’t reopen soon.
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