Media statement COVID-19 4


Media statement COVID-19 4



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Private Bag 13198
Windhoek
Namibia
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Ministerial Building
Harvey Street
Windhoek
Tel: (061) 203 2054
Fax: (061) 301 018
Public.Relations@mhss.gov.na
23 March 2020
PRESS RELEASE
Update on COVID-19 in Namibia.
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media!
L. I have invited you in order to inform the nation through you that a fourth case
of COVID-19 has been recorded in Namibia. Like the first three cases, the
latest case is also travel-related. It involves a 19-year-old Namibian citizen
who arrived in Namibia from London on 18 March and presented to a local
doctor on 19 March 2020 in Windhoek with symptoms. Specimens were
taken and sent to a laboratory, and the results returned positive. He is
currently in isolation and in stable condition. The MOHSS-led response is
actively following up with all contacts of this person to ensure proper
quarantine and monitoring for symptoms.
2.
The National Disaster Risk Management Committee met today and has
proposed additional measures that will be announced soon.
Arrival of Namibians from COVID-19 high-risk Countries.
3. As has been reported, 35 Namibians arrived on 21 March 2020 from
Netherlands with KLM airline. These returning residents came from various
COVID-19 high-risk countries, mostly in Europe, and also USA and Canada.
4.
Uponarrival they were screened at the airport, as per procedure. They are
currently placed under a 14-day supervised quarantine in Windhoek
district, as per the provisions of the State of Emergency. As per
international practice persons are quarantined at their own cost. However,

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for this first case, the group has been provided with meals and some basic
supplies. From 24 March 2020, their families are expected to provide them
with meals that will be delivered at the Emergency Operations Centre in
Windhoek for delivery to the quarantine facility. The meals must the
properly labeled to facilitate distribution. Containers used to deliver food
or other items to the quarantine facility will only be returned to the
owners after the quarantine period. This is done to prevent possible
transmission of the virus.
5. None of the persons under quarantine are displaying any symptoms
consistent with the COVID-19 standard case definition. Family members
of these individuals as well as members of the public are strongly
discouraged from visiting the facility during this period. Arrangements are
in place to facilitate delivery of essential items, such as food.
6. Another group (number yet to be confirmed) is expected to arrive in
Namibia also from The Netherlands on 26 March 2020. They will also be
quarantined. Arrangements are currently underway for their quarantine.
7. The public is encouraged to continue avoiding crowds; wash hands
regularly with soap and running water or apply alcohol-based hand
rub/sanitizer, avoid touching your face, and stay away from other people
when sick. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and
difficulty breathing.
8. Finally I urge the private service providers to immediately report any
suspected case to the Ministry. This will facilitate early contact tracing
and minimize the spread of the virus.
Those having any concern that they may have COVID-19 signs and symptoms or
other questions can call the MoHSS hotline at 0800 100 100.
I thank you.