Andrew Kathindi
President Hage Geingob has placed the entire Erongo region back under Stage 1 of the state of emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a complete lockdown. This action comes as a result of Walvis Bay residents not adhering to health and safety isolation measures for that city’s restrictions.
The move is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus from the coastal region. The Coast has continued to record positive cases.
“Stage 1 restrictions will be extended to the entire Erongo Region, for a period of 14 days, effective from midnight tonight, 8 June 2020 until midnight 22 June 2020. The lockdown period will be utilized to conduct expansive testing in the area surrounding the known cases.
The health ministry will also expand the search from direct contacts to secondary contacts. “We are working to avoid imposing another nationwide lockdown by effecting prompt and targeted, localized interventions,” announced the president.
Walvis Bay was placed under lockdown on 1 June after the rest of the nation moved to Stage 3 of the state of emergency relaxation plan. This followed a wave of new active COVID-19 cases at the coastal town. A truck driver who tested positive illegally left a quarantine facility and mingled with the elements of the community in Walvis Bay.
Of the 31 recorded COVID-19 cases announced by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, eight are from the Erongo region.
The president further directed that all Homes for the Elderly in the Erongo region be placed under isolation. Research has confirmed that the elderly are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
“I understand that the economic hardships we are facing as a nation are devastating. But, I am convinced that the cost of inaction – allowing the virus to spread unfettered through our communities – would be even more devastating. The restrictive measures are temporary and I ask each and every resident to work with the authorities,” he said.
The President added, “If we lose control now, these measures will be put in place for a much longer time and that is a scenario we are working to avoid. We need every citizen to comply with the regulations, to achieve this shared goal.”
He cautioned residents of Erongo not to jeopardize the progress made in the past several months to control the spread of the pandemic.
Health Minister, Kalumbi Shangula said the government would be looking into relief programs for informal traders in the region. These small businesses have already been hit by the lack of clients due to the demise of the tourist trade. With the second lockdown, they will again be unable to operate during this time.
