Helena Johannes
On Thursday Namibia recorded 122 positive cases of COVID-19, the highest number recorded in recent months, with Khomas region leading with 66 of the total cases.
The development comes after the country held its Regional and Local Authorities elections and the region having previously topped as the epicenter of the pandemic prior.
Health minister, Kalumbi Shangula said the confirmed cases represent a nine percent positivity ratio, which is three times the ratio reported the previous day.
“The increasing number of new Covid-19 cases in the Khomas district is concerning and calls for extra precaution especially during this time when many people are preparing to travel during the festive season,” said Shangula.
The country has recorded a total of 254 cases in just four days this week. Windhoek leads the pack with 132 patients recorded which represent 52 percent of the total cases.
Shangula said among the 66 confirmed cases from Khomas region, eight are from different educational institutions and two are health care workers. The cases from other regions include nine nine learners sporadically distributed across the districts, one health care worker from Tsumeb district and thirteen 13 employees from the fishing industry in Lüderitz district.
Shangula added that “This significant rise in the number of confirmed cases across the country calls for extra steps to be taken. We re-emphasize to the public the importance of observing COVID-19 preventative measures particularly as we approach the festive season.”
The spike in positive cases comes after President Hage Geingob extended the period under which current COVID-19 regulations are observed to 25 January 2021, with some relaxed measures such as the closing of bars from 22h00 to midnight and an unchanged gathering of 200 people.
However, he has cautioned the public saying “we must remain vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality, including the possibility of a second wave. Considering the precarious nature of our economy, this is a scenario we can ill afford.”
Shangula recently told Windhoek Observer that any cases that would have emanated from non-adherence to social distancing during the voting and political campaigns for the local and regional elections will only be felt in the coming days.
