Statement_by_HE_Hage_G_Geingob_on_the_ocassion_of_the_39th_Covid19_Update_20220113


Statement_by_HE_Hage_G_Geingob_on_the_ocassion_of_the_39th_Covid19_Update_20220113



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REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
THE PRESIDENCY
STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY DR. HAGE G. GEINGOB
ON THE OCCASSION OF THE 39th COVID-19 PUBLIC BRIEFING ON
THE NATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES
13 January 2022
WINDHOEK
Check Against Delivery
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Good Morning,
Allow me to begin by wishing you once again, fellow Namibians in all the 14
regions, a healthy, productive and prosperous New Year 2022 - The Year of
Reimaging. Every new year presents a fresh start, a new beginning, to work,
not only harder but smarter, guided by lessons from the previous year. To
refocus our vision in order to achieve the goals we have set ourselves for as
a nation.
In light of what we have been through over the past two years, this is our
opportunity to form a new and optimistic mental picture for the future we
hope to embrace. This moment presents yet another chance to pursue our
dreams with renewed vigour and focus, to achieve success against all odds.
I am confident that in this year of reimaging, we can become a better version
of ourselves and our country.
Following a very deadly Third Wave of COVID-19 mid-last year, we are all
evermore grateful for good health and the invaluable gift of life. Many of our
compatriots did not make it to this day, and we will continue to cherish them
in our memories. But we must forge ahead relentlessly into 2022 to make
the Namibian House a truly inclusive and prosperous home for all her
citizens.
The Fourth Wave, which was spurred by the outbreak of the OMICRON
variant of COVID-19 in Namibia, in November 2021, was characterized by a
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very high transmission rate with moderate hospitalisations. We must
therefore proceed with caution, because the invisible enemy remains in our
midst. We will not be safe, as a nation and as the global community, until all
citizens are safe. Combatting this virus is a huge undertaking that will require
every human effort, diligence and compliance, to overcome it.
Fellow Namibians,
As we embark upon a new year, we also need a critical re-evaluation of our
hearts, minds and actions, to rid ourselves of behaviour that may be
undermining our efforts of defeating COVID-19. Let us continue to maintain
a regimented personal discipline of social and physical distancing, hand
hygiene and wearing of face masks in public areas, in line with the health
protocols. Let us also desist from spreading harmful and unscientific
disinformation, which undermines the Government’s efforts to protect lives
and livelihoods.
Notably, vaccine hesitancy persists and as of 11 January 2022, the coverage
of fully vaccinated populations remains low in primarily the following five (5)
regions - Zambezi at 6 percent, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto at 9
percent and Oshana at 10 percent. The regions with the highest fully
vaccinated population coverage are Hardap at 23 percent, Kavango West
and Omaheke at 19 percent, and Kunene and //Kharas regions at 18 percent
each. The capital Khomas region records a fully vaccinated population
coverage of only 17 percent.
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COVID-19 vaccines are an effective measure to mitigate severe illness and
death from infection and I, therefore, urge all eligible members of the public
to go and get vaccinated or get your booster shot as a means of bolstering
your immunities. This is a personal medical decision that should be
considered in the greater interest of protecting the collective. Vaccination is
our best chance to kick-starting our economy.
The hour is now for us to rebuild our economy and our communities that
have been devastated by COVID-19. Without a doubt, it will be a long road
ahead. However, with the resilience and ingenuity, we have demonstrated
over the past two years, I am confident that by holding hands and by
standing together as One Namibia, One Nation, we have it within us to
reimage our country for better and in the interests of current and future
generations.
Fellow Namibians,
The current Regulations are due to expire at midnight on 15 January 2022,
and I will allow the Minister of Health to elaborate on the new measures for
the period 16 January to 16 February 2022. I now call upon the Minister of
Health and Social Services to provide a further update on changes in the
Regulations.
I thank you.
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