KIGALI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 17 in the African country, the Rwandan Health Ministry said in a statement.

The new COVID-19 patients include a 30-year-old French woman whose partner previously tested positive, along with their 10-month-old son, the ministry said in a statement.

Other cases are a 32-year-old Rwandan man who arrived in the country from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, and his compatriots -- a 32-year-old frequent traveler and a 24-year-old man who arrived from India via Doha, Qatar, said the statement.

Another case is a 26-year-old Swedish man who arrived on March 3, and reported symptoms on Wednesday, it added.

"Anyone who arrived in Rwanda within the past two weeks is required to self-quarantine for 14 days from the day of arrival and follow all self-quarantine guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the requirements will be strictly enforced," said the statement.

Earlier in the day, the central African nation announced that all bars in the capital city of Kigali will close at 9 pm (1900 GMT) while the ones in upcountry areas will close at 7 pm (1700 GMT). Previously, bars across Rwanda were closing at 5 am (0300 GMT).

According to the Ministry of Health, all the patients receiving treatment are in stable condition isolated from other patients. Tracing those in close contact with the patients is underway.

The ministry has called for vigilance and urged the public to continue to observe preventive measures particularly by washing hands regularly, avoiding unnecessary large gatherings, and reporting symptoms by calling a toll-free number.

On Wednesday, the ministry announced the suspension of all commercial flights for a period of 30 days effective Friday midnight in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Enditem

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