Covid-19 Update – H.E. President Hage Geingob

Fellow Namibians,
Following the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our country, I declared a
State of Emergency on 17 March 2020. Government took bold and decisive
measures to contain further spread of the Coronavirus. Since 28 March 2020,
our country has been on Lockdown, which started with the partial lockdown of
Erongo and Khomas Regions, including the local authority areas of Okahandja
and Rehoboth, which Lockdown was extended countrywide from 18 April 2020.
The cases recorded in Namibia have all been classified as sporadic. The
incidence curve flattened at 16 cases, with 8 recoveries. I wish the 8 remaining
people a speedy recovery.
We are thankful that there have been no community transmissions to this end
and zero deaths recorded in Namibia so far.
I have indicated that the health of Namibians remains our greatest priority. Our
prompt action to close all points of entry and issue comprehensive restrictions on
the movement of people, has therefore helped to contain the spread of disease.
While we recognize that these extraordinary measures have caused great
disruptions to our daily lives, they were necessary and effective. I therefore urge
all Namibians to continue to comply with the Regulations.
Although the number of cases has remained static for 25 days, this does not
mean that the current Measures must be lifted completely and suddenly.
Today Cabinet met to review the status of COVID-19 in Namibia and deliberated
on how to reopen the economy, without reversing the gains made. The
countrywide lockdown will lapse at midnight on Monday the 4th May 2020. Based
on our experience, available data and gauging our level of national
preparedness, there is merit to relax some of the restrictions. As we prepare to
gradually reopen social and economic activities, a balance must be found
between protecting life, mental health and livelihoods.
2
The State of Emergency declared on 17 March 2020 will remain in force for a
period of 6 months and may be extended, subject to the changing country
situation. In conformity with global guidelines on the national response to
COVID-19, Namibia has adopted 4 stages of restrictions.
STAGE 1 is the current situation of a countrywide lockdown for a period of 38
days, from 28 March until midnight, 04 May 2020.
STAGE 2 will be a gradual re-opening under Strict Precautions, from Tuesday 05
May 2020 to 2nd June 2020.
STAGE 3 will see more Moderate Precautions and could come into effect from the
2nd of June 2020 to 30 June 2020.
The final STAGE 4 from 30 June 2020 will introduce a New Normal and could last
until the end of the State of Emergency.
Each Stage of restriction will have an average observance period of two
incubation periods, which is 28 days.
With the end of STAGE 1 at midnight on the 04th of May 2020, I wish to
announce that STAGE 2 will come into force for 28 days from 05 May 2020 to 01
June 2020.
During STAGE 2 the following measures will apply to all Namibians:

1. All members of the public are required to wear facemasks in public
   spaces. Government will assist vulnerable persons to acquire masks.
2. People will be permitted to travel domestically between regions and
   within towns and cities, without restriction.
   3
3. Our borders will remain closed for non-Namibians but returning
   Namibians will be permitted to re-enter the country, subject to screening
   at points of entry and supervised quarantine for 14 days.
4. Businesses and productive activities, unless prohibited will be permitted
   to reopen, subject to responsible personal and organizational conduct
   and in compliance with the prescribed Health & Hygiene Guidelines.
5. In addition to fulfilling the established protocols, the following businesses
   will be allowed to resume, subject to specified conditions:
   o Shopping Malls and Retail Outlets.
   o Restaurants to continue operating on a take-away basis as
   before. Buying and selling of alcohol is prohibited.
   o Kapana traders may only operate for takeaway and private
   consumption.
   o Beauty, Hair Dressers & Barbers subject to proper personal
   protective equipment.
   o Laundromats and Tailors: subject to proper personal protective
   equipment.
6. The following activities are deemed to be high-risk under the
   circumstances and will not be permitted to resume activity during STAGE
7. These are:
   a. Theatres and cinemas;
   b. Gyms and exercise centres;
   c. Contact sports and sporting events;
   d. Gambling houses and nightclubs;
   e. Liquor outlets, Bars and Shebeens;
   f. Entertainment events and concerts;
   g. Seminars, Conferences, Workshops and Summits.
   4
8. The buying and selling of alcohol remains prohibited throughout the
   country.
9. The progression from one Stage to another will be informed by
   developments on the cases and the details of Stages may change. As such,
   before we move into a subsequent Stage, review will be undertaken to
   enable Government to agree on what activities will be allowed.
10. The Stage 3 and Stage 4 in terms of timelines are indicative and intended
    to assist with business planning. The actual duration of each stage may be
    reduced or extended, subject to monitoring reports and the changing
    situation in the country. The tentative activities for Stages 3 and 4 are
    available in a document.
    In conclusion,
    This were immensely difficult few weeks for all of us. These extraordinary
    measures have disrupted our lives. The fight against COVID-19 will not be a
    sprint. It will be a marathon that will demand our collective endurance. We must
    therefore summon the courage to wage an enduring battle and prevail against
    this invisible enemy.
    I commend the perseverance of Namibians from all walks of life and thank you
    for your cooperation.
    Thank You.