Rwanda Key Message Update: Reinstated COVID-19 restrictions reducing incomes for poor urban households July 2021 Format Key Messages The third wave of COVID-19 infections is ongoing with daily infections rising from an average of 61 in May to a high of 2,773 cases as of 18 July 2021. The daily COVID-19 deaths equally increased from zero to two deaths in May to more than ten deaths in July. This trend compelled the government to reinstate stringent control measures including a total lockdown in Kigali city and eight districts, restricted inter-district movement, closure of learning institutions, restrictions of bars and restaurant to take-away services only, and a national curfew time from 6:00pm to 4:00am. These restrictions are gradually contributing to reduced income earning opportunities and declining household purchasing power due to reduced business hours and capacity as well as business closures, especially in urban areas. To minimize the impact of restrictions, the government rolled out a food relief program on 18 July distributing rice, maize, and beans to 211,000 vulnerable households in areas under lockdown. This, together with increased food availability from Season B harvests, will help to mitigate a deterioration of food security, maintaining area-level Minimum (IPC Phase 1) outcomes in urban areas though poor urban households are experiencing Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes. However, if restrictions are sustained for a longer period, food security could deteriorate among poor urban households.