Covid-19 not behind us – Geingob
21 deaths recorded during fifth wave
Members of the public are still urged to wear masks, especially in indoor settings and on aeroplanes, while the number of people permitted at public gatherings remains unchanged at 1 000.
Despite nearing the last stages of the fifth Covid-19 wave, Namibians must remain vigilant as viruses spread fastest in winter.
President Hage Geingob, speaking at the latest update on the Covid-19 national response measures yesterday, said Namibia recorded 21 deaths since the start of the fifth wave last month.
On 10 May, 222 new infections were reported, with the numbers peaking on 18 May with 585 cases.
The current Covid-19 public health regulations expire at midnight tonight.
“Therefore, going forward, a duration of one month is proposed from 16 June to 15 July for the next bouquet of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.”
Geingob said members of the public are still urged to wear masks, especially in indoor settings and on aeroplanes, while the permitted number of people at public gatherings remains unchanged at 1 000.
Unchanged
Measures related to education remain in place.
“Many positive cases were recorded among learners and teachers. Therefore, educational institutions are urged to remain vigilant by enforcing public health and social measures,” the president said.
Geingob added that measures related to burials of persons who died from Covid-19 also remain unchanged.
“The infection prevention and control pillar will meet with the ministerial legal team, namely the justice ministry and attorney-general’s office, to agree on a less cumbersome process for the exhumation of bodies. Details about a new process for exhumation will be communicated by the government following finalisation of all the outstanding matters with regard to procedures.”
Entry rules
With regards to testing upon entry into Namibia, Geingob said children older than five and younger than 12 as well as anyone who is not fully vaccinated must present a negative PCR result less than 72 hours old.
Fully vaccinated children should present proof of vaccination status.
“Health officials are strongly advised to avoid separating children from parents in the event the accompanying child has not met the port of entry requirements,” he said.
Meanwhile, measures for contact sports remain the same, while there are also no new measures proposed for public transport, business operations and restrictions related to the sale of liquor.
“As our first line of defence against Covid-19, let us get vaccinated to reach herd immunity. Vaccines are effective and they are safe. Let us continue to observe good hand hygiene and the correct wearing of face masks, especially in public and crowded places. Practice social and physical distancing and personal vigilance and avoid crowded indoor settings if you can,” Geingob said.
“We should remain vigilant because there is a lot of work ahead before we can safely say that Covid-19 is behind us.”
President Hage Geingob, speaking at the latest update on the Covid-19 national response measures yesterday, said Namibia recorded 21 deaths since the start of the fifth wave last month.
On 10 May, 222 new infections were reported, with the numbers peaking on 18 May with 585 cases.
The current Covid-19 public health regulations expire at midnight tonight.
“Therefore, going forward, a duration of one month is proposed from 16 June to 15 July for the next bouquet of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.”
Geingob said members of the public are still urged to wear masks, especially in indoor settings and on aeroplanes, while the permitted number of people at public gatherings remains unchanged at 1 000.
Unchanged
Measures related to education remain in place.
“Many positive cases were recorded among learners and teachers. Therefore, educational institutions are urged to remain vigilant by enforcing public health and social measures,” the president said.
Geingob added that measures related to burials of persons who died from Covid-19 also remain unchanged.
“The infection prevention and control pillar will meet with the ministerial legal team, namely the justice ministry and attorney-general’s office, to agree on a less cumbersome process for the exhumation of bodies. Details about a new process for exhumation will be communicated by the government following finalisation of all the outstanding matters with regard to procedures.”
Entry rules
With regards to testing upon entry into Namibia, Geingob said children older than five and younger than 12 as well as anyone who is not fully vaccinated must present a negative PCR result less than 72 hours old.
Fully vaccinated children should present proof of vaccination status.
“Health officials are strongly advised to avoid separating children from parents in the event the accompanying child has not met the port of entry requirements,” he said.
Meanwhile, measures for contact sports remain the same, while there are also no new measures proposed for public transport, business operations and restrictions related to the sale of liquor.
“As our first line of defence against Covid-19, let us get vaccinated to reach herd immunity. Vaccines are effective and they are safe. Let us continue to observe good hand hygiene and the correct wearing of face masks, especially in public and crowded places. Practice social and physical distancing and personal vigilance and avoid crowded indoor settings if you can,” Geingob said.
“We should remain vigilant because there is a lot of work ahead before we can safely say that Covid-19 is behind us.”
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