Erongo

Walvis Bay



Namibian president Dr Hage Geingob announced minimal changes to the current Covid-19 measures on Wednesday morning.

He adjusted the curfew hours slightly from 22:00 to 04:00 daily, while the limit of two hours placed on has also been abolished.

These new measures remain in place for 36 days, from 25 February to 31 March 2021.

Until today, Namibia has recorded 37 896 cumulative confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 2 058 active cases at the moment. “Over the last 12 days we have observed a rise in infections, with the highest positivity rate recorded in Kavango East and West, Oshikoto and Oshana, fast becoming the epicentre in our fight against Covid-19. Learners at schools and hostels have been the most affected, with a 40% infection rate. It is imperative that parental engagement is improved as a means of supporting schools in the fight against Covid-19.”

The president said that schools must strictly adhere to guidelines as set out by the line ministry.

Geingob added that the country is still faced with the difficulties of adapting to altered routines and habits. “I will be the first to admit that as the days, weeks and months progress, these changes can become overbearing and our will and resolve can begin to wane. Apart from the loss of life and the economic damage that has been caused by Covid-19, another worrying aspect is the mental health of our people. I am fully aware that you want to return to life as we used to know it. You want to start rebuilding what has been lost and remove the weight of restrictions.”

The president stated that the fight against Covid-19 has become a battle of attrition, a test of the country’s collective character. “I am aware of the mental health impact that Covid has and the subsequent consequences thereof on you. I wish to reassure the nation that government sees the war against Covid-19 and the conclusion thereof, as a priority. There is no one who takes joy in imposing restrictions on our people. Still, we must realize that this is a matter of absolute necessity and the results are telling. Although it comes at a high cost, materially, physically and psychologically, our efforts to curtail the spread of this virus have paid dividends.”

Until a safe and effective vaccine is available in the country, Geingob said that the restrictions and adherence thereof will remain in place. “We are engaged with our friends in the international arena, at various levels to expedite the process of procuring a vaccine. At present, the People’s Republic of China has pledged to donate 100 000 doses of Sinopharm while the Republic of India has pledged to donate 30 000 doses of the vaccine from the Serum Institute of India.