someone should be held liable or not for distribution of fake news.
Government has imposed a national lockdown until 4 May this year in an attempt to curb
the spread of Covid-19.
The authorities have in the meantime relaxed some of the regulations pertaining to the
lockdown period, with street vendors now given a chance to operate under strict
conditions. According to Dausab, in the amended regulations, an informal trader will be
allowed to trade if they sell essential goods or provides critical services.
“We opened up that space so that you are now able to buy tomatoes at the guy that sits
in the corner in the location. You don’t have to walk to Shoprite and Woermann Brock to
purchase onions and tomatoes... so that gentleman at the street corner becomes a
critical service provider,” stated Dausab. Mbandeka added in terms of opening up the
markets, they looked at various economic activities that would be opened up without
risking the lives of Namibians. He also said health protocols have been put in place for
food businesses and consumers to maintain good hygiene as well as practicing social
distance. A City of Windhoek notice at the weekend indicated that they will only permit
vendors to sell fresh vegetables and fruits, raw meat, fish and dried foods at the open
markets during the national lockdown. Dairy products, poultry, cereal and flour products
and cooked food, which should be prepared at home, will also be sold. Trading hours will
be between 08h00 and 17h00 daily. The notice indicated, customers are only allowed to
‘pick and go’ and will not be allowed to hang around the market.
Hard liquor banned
Meanwhile, government has allowed for the sale of liquor containing less than 3% of
alcohol volume. However, alcohol, which contains more than 3%, will not be sold during
the lockdown. This includes tombo or any other fermented, distilled, spirituous or
malted drink, traditional or non-traditional. -sikela@nepc.com.na
Selma Ikela
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