BRIEFING STATEMENT HAGE GEINGOB COVID-19 NATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES_March 24 2020


BRIEFING STATEMENT HAGE GEINGOB COVID-19 NATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES_March 24 2020



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REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
THE PRESIDENCY
BRIEFING STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT DR. HAGE G.
GEINGOB
ON COVID-19 NATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES
March 24, 2020
WINDHOEK

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Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
COVID-19 is a global health pandemic. It has reached
Namibia and is within our midst. The number of
confirmed cases in Namibia are rising and as at
today, stand at six (6).
As emphasized in my statement the _ Health of
Namibians ts the first priority. It is why on March 17,
2020 Government declared a State of Emergency and
responded with urgent and aggressive measures to
contain the spread of the novel Corona Virus into our
communities.
Today Cabinet met and received briefings on the
status of COVID-19 in Namibia and deliberated on
the next necessary measures to _ strengthen

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detection, testing, quarantine, isolation and contact
tracing, to mitigate further spread of this deadly
Virus.
COVID-19 is not only a threat to the lives of the
Namibian People and the public health system, it also
bears negative economic impacts threatening the
survival of businesses and consequently jobs and
livelihoods. Our key priority is therefore to curb the
spread of disease.
The Government fully understands that these are
extraordinary measures. They are adopted with the
sole purpose of protecting the health, security and
safety of the Namibian people. During this difficult
period, I call on all Namibians to cooperate with the
authorities and to remain calm, in order to ensure
that public order is not compromised. Allow the
authorities to work unhindered.

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I now call upon the Minister of Health and Finance to
make a brief intervention.
In closing,
While the pandemic that we are faced with today is
unprecedented, we are confident that working
collaboratively, we will respond effectively to
minimize the spread of the virus and loss of life, and
restore the health of those affected.
I appeal to all International Cooperating Partners
and stakeholders and to our Private Sector to support
Government's response measures and mobilize
resources to combat the further spread of this virus.
Thank You

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In light of the rising cases of this disease in our country,
Cabinet has decided to further strengthen the national
response. Therefore the following measures will be adopted:
1. The travel ban is extended to all countries around the
World for a period of thirty (30) days and applies to all
Namibians and permanent residents.
2. Special circumstances for the admission of certain
persons into Namibia will be considered and approved
by the relevant institutions, depending on the nature of
travel to be undertaken, and the criticality of such
mission to the national interest and safety and security
of the Republic of Namibia.
3. All returning Namibians and Permanent residents and
Permanent residents arriving from high-risk countries
are subjected to mandatory supervised quarantine for
14 days, at own cost.
4. Special dispensation applies to business, commerce and
trade missions and activities only from neighboring
countries, on a reciprocal basis, to facilitate the flow of
supplies, goods, commodities and_ services into
Namibia.

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. Admission of persons into Namibia from neighboring
countries for reasons contemplated in (3) above, will be
considered taking into account the criticality of such
mission to the national interest and safety and security
of the Republic of Namibia.
. All Government employees as well as those in the State
Owned Enterprises and Private sector are to operate
from home for the next 14 days, except those providing
critical services. The categories of affected services will
be announced in the next = Days.
. The Public is urged to remain at home and avoid public
gatherings at places such as bars, Shebeens, nightclubs
and markets. The law enforcement organs to enforce
these measures.
. Internal travel restrictions will apply with respect to
Khomas and Erongo region, for a period of 21 days
starting on Friday, 27 March 2020 and ending
Thursday, the 16" April 2020.
. The following ports entry are closed for passengers
(MHAISS can verify the list)
e Oshikango
e Katwitwi

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e Wenela
e Buitepos
e Ariamsvlei
e Noordoewer
e Luderitz
e Walvis Bay
10. Parliament is suspended for 21 days starting
Wednesday, the 25th March 2020 to Thursday, the 14
April 2020.
11. Private health service providers must inform the
Ministry of Health and Social Services immediately
upon identify a suspected case.
12. Further measures will be announced as the situation
dictates.