Clifton Movirongo
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula says the ministry does not wish to return to a situation when it becomes imperative to re-introduce restrictive measures amid rising COVID-19 positive cases in the Khomas region.
This comes as Namibia has recorded a total number of 303 new COVID-19 confirmed cases in the last 48 hours as Khomas region records an alarming number of 117 positive cases out of 181 cases reported on Friday, 4 December.
On Thursday, Namibia recorded 122 positive cases of COVID-19.
“The significant increase in the number of confirmed cases across country is worrisome especially coming at the time when The President announced on Monday further relaxation of public health measures to combat COVID-19,” he said.
“Among the 117 confirmed cases from Khomas region, 19 are from different educational institutions of whom 15 are contacts of known cases and 2 are health care workers.”
Shangula said of the 117 cases recorded in Khomas region, 60 are contacts and 60 percent are symptomatic.
The total number of active cases currently stands at 775 and with one COVID-19 fatality reported from Windhoek district. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths stands at 152.
This bring the total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded countrywide to 435 cases over the last days five, with Windhoek leading with 313 cases.
“We have seen the hardships restrictive measures cause to the individuals, the livelihoods and the economy. I therefore call on the public to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures,” Shangula said.
The surge in positive cases comes after President Hage Geingob extended the period under which current COVID-19 regulations are observed to 25 January 2021, with a few measures relaxed prior to the festive season.
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