Covid-19 – Page 17 – Windhoek Observer

19 Aug

The Hair and Beauty Charity sees 78% increase in support requests during Covid-19

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, Hair and Beauty Charity

Amanda Pauley The Hair and Beauty Charity has experienced a 78% increase in requests for financial support from beauty and hair professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic – the largest surge since the charity was established in 1853. Despite suffering a “major loss of income” due to the cancellation of several fundraising activities, the charity has been able to support beneficiaries through a relief fund that has currently raised £30,000 during the crisis. In the first month of lockdown, the charity saw its monthly expenditure rise by 105%. The charity had distributed more than £60,000 to beneficiaries between April and June;…

19 Aug

How to protect yourself against cybercrime

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, cybercrime, Johnny Truter

Johnny Truter Worldwide studies indicate that approximately five billion people were active internet users in July 2020. This comprises 59 percent of the global population. These numbers, accompanied by COVID-19’s preventative measures such as social distancing, has led to an increase in cyber-crime attacks. The responsibility is on us as individuals and businesses to strengthen our defences, and mitigate the risks by taking the essential precautions. Here are a variety of ways on how to protect yourself against cyber-crime - wrongdoing that involves a computer and a network: Use unique and robust passwords: You should use long, unique, and cryptic…

19 Aug

Government to honor bonuses

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Government

Andrew Kathindi Public service workers will breathe a sigh of relief as government stated that it still plans to honour birthday bonuses for its employees despite revenue pressures intensified by COVID-19. Despite hundreds of private sector workers being retrenched on a monthly basis due to economic pressures, with many companies cancelling the 13th cheque as part of cost containment measures, government maintains it will continue to pay bonuses to its employees. “The pay structure of government employees did not change, all conditions of employment, as per the contract of employment each employee has signed with their respective employer, remain applicable…

19 Aug

Corona hits Windhoek Central Prison . . . As 120 inmates are quarantined

ObserverObserver MoneyCorona, Covid-19, NCS Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela, Windhoek Central Prison

Katrina Andreas The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) says it has no plans to decongest its prisons after 12 inmates from the Windhoek Central Prison tested positive for COVID-19. The Windhoek Observer can reveal that 122 inmates and 14 prison officers were tested for Covid-19 a week ago and the results confirmed 13 positive cases, of which 12 are inmates. NCS Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela stated that there will be no further release of non-serious offenders for the purpose of decongestion to allow social distancing within the correctional facilities. This is because there are no more petty offenders after President Hage…

18 Aug

Otjomuise targeted for Corona decongestion

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Otjomuise, Windhoek Mayor Fransina Kahungu

Andrew Kathindi The City of Windhoek has identified land in Otjomuise which will likely be used as a COVID-19 decongestion location, amidst rising numbers of confirmed cases in the capital city, Windhoek Mayor Fransina Kahungu has revealed. This comes as President Hage Geingob last week gave directives to decongest densely populated informal settlements where community transmission continues to skyrocket. Kahungu told Windhoek Observer that the city started with preparations and that informal discussions at the City of Windhoek where conducted. Formal meetings will continue at management committee level on Tuesday 18 August. “I can be specific that the place that…

14 Aug

Travel ban hits Air Namibia

ObserverObserver MoneyAir Namibia, Covid-19

Andrew Kathindi The grounding of Air Namibia flights amid the recently imposed national travel ban is set to hit the national carrier’s falling revenues, thus impact its turnaround strategy. Domestic travel was reintroduced in the country on 4 May following the initial State of Emergency proclamation by President Hage Geingob. Earlier this week however, following fears of rising cases of COVID-19, the President declared domestic travel restrictions. “As Air Namibia is involved in the business of transporting passengers and cargo, the temporary suspension of all domestic flights has a detrimental effect on the airline’s already difficult cash flow position, considering…

14 Aug

Government must declare independence from Struggle Kids

ObserverNational NewsChildren of the Liberation Struggle, Covid-19, Namibia

It is time for the government to free itself from the emotional stranglehold exerted by the group calling themselves Children of the Liberation Struggle. The country is being strangled by COVID-19. It is also facing drought recovery challenges and overall economic disaster. There is alarming unemployment levels (and rising), a horrific housing crisis, and the soon-to-arrive IMF. The government must forgive its original poor handling of this crisis years ago, add up what has been done well, declare victory, and move on. This is a country of 2.5 million people. The needs of 300 citizens calling themselves children of the…

14 Aug

NAMDIA joins MTC in the fight against homelessness

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Knockout Project 2020, MTC, NAMDIA

Staff Writer NAMDIA, through The NAMDIA Foundation has pledged to stand together with the nation in the fight against COVID 19. As part of the company’s continuing commitment and efforts, it partnered up with MTC in the Knockout Project 2020. The project’s goal is to raise N$ 1.5 million aimed at addressing and tackling one of our country’s growing social ills, homelessness. “The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses and imbalances of our society, with the vulnerable being most at risk and most adversely effected.We are thrilled to be endorsing one of Namibia’s most prominent media…

13 Aug

We must protect healthcare workers

ObserverNational NewsCovid-19, healthcare

The rise in the number of healthcare workers who have become infected with COVID-19 is alarming. These dedicated and brave workers are risking their lives to help people who are in need of assistance. Their safety while on the frontline in the war against the pandemic must be topic #1 in all government decision-making meetings. Budgets to finance their needs must be fully funded. Their safety and care must be prioritized. We, as a nation and a grateful community, are not doing enough to protect healthcare workers. We are not showing that we value them and need them. Healthcare workers…

13 Aug

Debmarine and Unam launch Covid-19 testing lab

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Debmarine, Government, UNAM

Staff Writer In the wake of increasing transmission of COVID-19 across Namibia, Debmarine Namibia and the University of Namibia have teamed up and established a laboratory that is licensed to conduct COVID-19 tests as from 3 August 2020. Debmarine Namibia acquired a COVID-19 PCR testing laboratory and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of Namibia (UNAM), School of Medicine to conduct tests. “The sponsorship will support Government efforts in the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this sponsorship supports the Company’s internal focus on protecting and testing its employees as well.” ”UNAM’s rich profile of science…