New Covid-19 wards for Walvis

LEANDREA LOUWWALVIS BAY Erongo governor Neville Andre officially opened two prefabricated 24-bed Covid-19 wards in Walvis Bay last week. The facility, located behind the Walvis Bay State Hospital, was funded by the health ministry to the tune of N$12 million, and took around three weeks to complete. Andre said government had made available a N$727 million emergency Covid-19 budget for the health sector, with special emphasis on planning, monitoring, communication, community engagement, surveillance, infection control and prevention and case management, as well as monies for operational and logistical support. “With the increase in Covid-19 cases in our region and Walvis Bay as epicentre of the pandemic, there is a dire need for additional beds. As a response, our government availed the state-of-the-art military hospital, which, without a shadow of doubt, brought relief to our healthcare facilities. Additional beds were provided via the conversion of the Kondja ward by the Erongo Care Initiative, while the Walvis Bay municipality availed their bungalows to be used as quarantine facilities. This helped us tremendously during the early days when we needed more beds,” the governor said. Looking beyond Covid Andre implored the health director and her team to take good care of the facilities. “It is our hope that all those who enter these premises and facilities will be healed. “These facilities are also done with the future in mind. The equipment to be utilised as well as health personnel who are part of these facilities should be retained to strengthen our healthcare system well beyond the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. Tribute The governor also paid tribute to the late Sebedius Gariseb, who died to Covid-19 complications. He was one of the frontline soldiers who were instrumental during the Covid-19 food distribution programme. He also thanked those who continue to risk their lives to ensure the safety of others and urged them to keep doing good work. “Our healthcare workers and professionals at the forefront of fighting Covid-19, including the cleaners, ambulance drivers, porters, mortuary workers, administrators and staff nurses, and all those involved in the value chain, keep our health facilities functional. We appreciate what you are doing.” Andre also pleaded with members of the community to take extra caution to minimise the risk of infection. “We urge the public to continue to follow basic personal hygiene habits, such as the regular washing of hands, sanitising, wearing a mask when in the public, avoiding large gatherings and practicing social and physical distancing.” Andre called upon residents to take personal responsibility for their well-being and that of those around them. leandrea@republikein.com.na

New Covid-19 wards for Walvis

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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New Covid-19 wards for Walvis

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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