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Namibia has recorded 129 new confirmed coronavirus infections, 262 recoveries and no new fatalities linked to Covid-19.

This was announced by health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Friday afternoon.

Of the new cases, 67 are female and 62 male, with the youngest two months old and the oldest 73 years of age.

Windhoek recorded 67 new confirmed cases, Mariental 15, Rehoboth 12, Oshakati and Okahandja six each, Walvis Bay five, Keetmanshoop three, Katima Mulilo, Omuthiya, Tsumeb, Omaruru, Gobabis and Swakopmund two each, and Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Lüderitz one each.

The new recoveries are distributed as follows: Oshana 87, Erongo 65, Khomas … Read More

by OKERI NGUTJINAZO, TAATI NIILENGE, YOKANY OLIVEIRA and VICTORIA WOLF

THE government has decided not to extend the state of emergency which was implemented six months ago to curb the impact of the novel coronavirus.

The state of emergency lapsed last night.

President Hage Geingob yesterday said to manage the pandemic under the Covid-19 state of emergency, the Cabinet adopted five levels of restriction, ranging from a full lockdown of social and economic activities under stage 1, to more moderate and gradually relaxed precautionary measures under stages 2, 3 and 4.

Stage 5 had envisaged ‘a new normal’ under which … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE … Deputy health and social services minister Utjiua Muinjangue says the country has recorded 114 new coronavirus infections, as well as 183 recoveries from the virus.

She on Thursday evening said the bulk of the new cases were from Windhoek, with 62, followed by Swakopmund with 10, nine at Oshakati and seven at Gobabis. At Keetmanshoop, Karasburg and Okahandja each four new infections were recorded, and at Walvis Bay, Rehoboth and Engela three each.

Outapi, Onandjokwe, Omuthiya, Rundu and Omaruru each recorded one new infection.

“For the last three days, our daily new cases were below 100, after … Read More

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LIVE UPDATES

Namibia’s Covid-19 pandemic state of emergency will expire at midnight tonight (Thursday), president Hage Geingob has announced.

Geingob said at State House in Windhoek this afternoon that following the novel coronavirus outbreak in March, he declared the pandemic as a national disaster with the support of the National Assembly. 

He said the idea was to safeguard the health of Namibians while ensuring the economy stayed intact. He, however, added that the economy was adversely affected by the state of emergency regulations. In line with that, … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia has recorded 63 new confirmed coronavirus infections, with 144 new recoveries from the virus and two more deaths, the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ executive director, Ben Nangombe, said on Wednesday.

Windhoek has recorded 44 new coronavirus infections, Rundu five and Rehoboth three, while Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Tsumeb recorded two each. Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, Omaruru, Gobabis and Mariental recorded one new infection each.

The two deaths are from Windhoek and Swakopmund, involving a 61-year-old and a 28-year-old respectively. Meanwhile, Windhoek recorded 103 recoveries from the virus, Omusati 12, Kunene 10, //Kharas nine, Erongo eight and Omaheke … Read More

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services’ executive director, Ben Nangombe, says Namibia has recorded 665 new recoveries from novel coronavirus infections, 83 newly confirmed infections and another three deaths linked to Covid-19.

Speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek on Tuesday, Nangombe said recoveries from the coronavirus in Namibia now number 7 358, out of 9 901 confirmed cases registered countrywide. The country’s Covid-19 death toll has reached 106, and active cases now number 2 437.

Of the new cases, 41 are from Windhoek, seven from Rehoboth, six from Walvis Bay, five from Onandjokwe, four from Swakopmund, while … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya, Okeri Ngutjinazo and Luqman Cloete

TWO schools in the Oshana region and one in the //Kharas region have suspended face-to-face classes after positive cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed at these institutions.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula yesterday during the daily Covid-19 briefing said out of the 9 818 confirmed cases the country has recorded, 732 involve teachers, students and pupils in 12 regions.

This accounts for … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo 

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula has dismissed rumours that the Ministry of Health and Social Services is carrying out mandatory vaccinations with the antiviral medicine remdesivir. 

He, however, noted on Monday that the health ministry is carrying out routine immunisation for women and children which is implemented every year and forms part of the ministry’s events calendar.

Shangula said an audio recording and a certain narrative have been circulating on social media, seeking to instill … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

Health update: Namibia has recorded 99 new coronavirus infections, 150 new recoveries and another two deaths linked to Covid-19.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Monday said the two most recent deaths linked to an infection with the novel coronavirus were of men aged 57 and 64, respectively, who died in Windhoek. Shangula noted that Namibia’s case fatality ratio stands at 1,0%.

Windhoek recorded 60 new confirmed cases, Oshakati six, Rehoboth five, Walvis Bay and Onandjokwe four each, Engela and Keetmanshoop three each, Eenhana, Outapi and Okakarara two each, and Omuthiya, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Okahandja, Usakos, Gobabis, Karasburg and … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

INMATES at Windhoek Correctional Facility fear contracting Covid-19 after four of them, who spent time in a cell with other inmates, tested positive for the novel coronavirus last week.

“We are at risk; we have children; we cannot die like this,” one of the inmates told The Namibian.

The facility’s total population cstands at 1 020.

The inmate said some of his fellow inmates have started showing symptoms of Covid-19, but have not been isolated.

He also complained of overcrowded cells.

In addition, an inmate died last Monday, possibly of Covid-19.

The inmate said the deceased inmate … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Sakeus Iikela

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob is pondering lifting the state of emergency imposed six months ago among a raft of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the country reported its 100th death over the weekend.

Geingob on Friday said key considerations will be made in the next five days while moderate level three restriction measures will be extended across the country.

The state of emergency, which was imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus earlier this year, ends on Thursday, 17 September.

“We will see within the next five days if there … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

NAMIBIA has recorded 115 new coronavirus cases, 732 new recoveries and three deaths.

This was announced on Sunday afternoon by health deputy minister Ester Muinjangue.

Of these new cases, 62 are males and 53 females, the youngest is 17 days old and the oldest 69 years.

Windhoek recorded 60 new cases, Rehoboth 19, Usakos 7, Mariental, and Keetmanshoop 5 each, Walvis Bay 4, Okahandja and Outapi 3 each, Otjiwarongo and Rundu 2 each, and Swakopmund, Okakarara, Tsumeb, Gobabis and Katima Mulilo one each.

Of the recoveries, Khomas recorded 618, Kavango East 58, Hardap 27, Ohangwena 14, Oshana … Read More

Namibia has recorded 167 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 913 new recoveries. There were no deaths recorded today.

This was announced this afternoon by the health ministry’s deputy minister Ester Muinjangue.

Of these new cases, 90 are males and 77 are females, the youngest is four months and the oldest is 71 years age.

Windhoek recorded 114 cases, Karasburg 9, Okahandja 8, Rehoboth 5, Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Rundu four each, Okongo and Oshakati three each, Lüderitz, Onandjokwe and Tsumeb two each, and Mariental, Engela and Outapi one each.

Meanwhile the recoveries are distributed as follows: Erongo 498, Khomas … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

President Hage Geingob today said Namibia and other African countries will not offer to be guinea pigs for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The president said Namibia will participate in any vaccine trial that has been tested elsewhere, but will not allow her people to be used in a trial-and-error process for vaccines.

“If the vaccine is tested in America or elsewhere we will definitely take it, but what we are not open to is the vaccine being tried on our people. We want to find a way that will benefit our people, but not expose them,” he said.… Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

Namibia has recorded 181 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths. Some 131 recoveries have also been recorded today.

This was announced this evening by deputy minister of health and social services Ester Muinjangue.

Of the new cases 100 involve women and 81 men.

The youngest is a year old and the oldest is 80.

Windhoek recorded 60 new cases, Keetmanshoop 27, Walvis Bay 16, Swakopmund and Mariental 11 each, Okahandja and Rehoboth seven each, Karasburg and Otjiwarongo six each, Usakos, Oshakati and Eenhana four each, and Lüderitz and Oshikuku three each.

Grootfontein, Gobabis, Khorixas, Rundu and Katima … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

The ministry of health says only health workers in high-risk facilities will be separated from their families to avoid transmission.

This was said by executive director Ben Nangombe on Friday afternoon at State House while responding to questions on a circular directing health workers quarantined at hotels, guest houses and lodges to vacate these facilities by 13 September.

Nangombe said the rationale of isolating all health professionals was to avoid transmissions however as time went on, the ministry developed a document stating that they will assess the health workers’ possible exposure to coronavirus.

“So initially … Read More

President Hage Geingob says Namibia now has 9 437 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 4 898 recoveries and 4 441 active cases.

He added that the country now has 98 deaths of which two are health care workers at Erongo and in Khomas regions.

The president noted that the number of cases reported daily have drastically dropped by 20%, saying the numbers would continue to fluctuate.

“Namibians should continue to be vigilant to drop rate of infections,” he said.

Speaking during the 17th Covid-19 briefing at statehouse said the government is increasing testing capacity in addition to increasing hospital based isolation.… Read More

NAMIBIA has recorded 148 new coronavirus infections, 127 recoveries and three deaths.

This was announced on Thursday afternoon by health executive director Ben Nangombe.

He said of the new cases, 81 are male and 67 female, with the youngest being three years old and the oldest 87 years.

Windhoek recorded 85 new infections, Walvis Bay 9, Okahandja 8, Swakopmund 7, Oshakati, Rehoboth, Gobabis, Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop four each, Rundu three, Nankudu, Katima Mulilo, Omuthiya, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo and Karasburg two each, Grootfontein, Eenhana and Engela one each.

The recoveries are distributed as follows; Khomas 100, Oshana 9, Ohangwena 7, Otjozondjupa 6, … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE country has recorded 659 new recoveries bringing the total to date to 4 640.

This was announced afternoon by the health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday.

The recoveries are from Khomas 545, Erongo 59, Ohangwena 18, Hardap 12, Kavango East 11, Omusati 10 and Otjozondjupa 4.

The minister said there were 180 Covid-19 cases confirmed on Wednesday. Of these 91 are male and 89 female, the youngest is one year and the oldest is 78 years old.

Windhoek recorded 99 new cases, Walvis Bay 23, Swakopmund 13, Rundu 9, Rehoboth 8, Okahandja 7, Keetmanshoop and Katima … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

HEALTHCARE workers in the northern regions are increasingly getting infected with Covid-19, as the virus takes a toll on the frontline workers.

The coronavirus has so far infected more 20 healthcare workers in the northern regions, placing a great strain on the already fragile healthcare services in the communities.

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services Covid-19 daily updates, Ohangwena region has so far recorded six health care workers infected with Covid-19, Oshana recorded eight, Omusati recorded five, and Oshikoto has recorded four.

Among those infected are nurses, doctors and … Read More

Namibia has recorded 118 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 175 recoveries from the virus causing Covid-19.

This was announced by health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Tuesday evening.

Of the newly confirmed coronavirus infections the youngest is four months old and the oldest 88 years of age.

Shangula said the number of new test results was low compared to the usual amount of tests done recently, due to technical challenges experienced. Outstanding results would be added to the number to be announced on Wednesday.

Windhoek recorded 81 newly confirmed coronavirus infections, Rehoboth eight, Swakopmund six, Oshakati and Rundu three each, Omuthiya, … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

Walvis Bay today did not record a single Covid-19 case after more than three months since the town reported its first case involving a truck driver on 25 May.

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The governor of the Erongo region, Neville Andre, said this is a good sign for the town, which has been the epicentre of the virus for three months consecutively.

“We still have to monitor the days following. It’s a good sign. It just tells us we can eliminate the virus within our community if we continue to follow the set protocols. Hopefully we will be the first region … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

NAMIBIA’S northern regions are seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases as many of its inhabitants are returning from the Erongo region.

The high movement of people from the former epicentre of the pandemic in the country to the northern regions is raising fears as the number of cases continue to rise.

As of 5 September the Oshana region has recorded a total of 169 cases and three deaths, and the Omusati region recorded a total of 35 cases and one death.

The Ohangwena region by 5 September had a total of 93 … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says the curve of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country looks encouraging, as there is a decrease in the number of cases reported daily.

Namibia yesterday recorded 125 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 20 new recoveries and two deaths.

Of the confirmed cases, 66 are men and 59 women, the youngest being a 10-month-old and the oldest 90 years old.

Windhoek recorded 81 cases, while seven cases each were reported from Walvis Bay, Rehoboth and Keetmanshoop. Omaruru, Mariental, Okahandja and Otjiwarongo reported four cases each and Gobabis had three, Swakopmund two, … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

NAMIBIA has recorded 125 new Covid-19 cases with 20 recoveries and two deaths.

This was announced by health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Monday afternoon.

Of the confirmed cases, 66 are males and 59 females, the youngest being 10 months old and the oldest 90 years old.

Windhoek recorded 81 cases, with Walvis Bay, Rehoboth and Keetmanshoop having seven cases each.

Four cases each were recorded from Omaruru, Mariental, Okahandja and Otjiwarongo while Gobabis had three, Swakopmund two, and one each from Usakos and Rundu. Shangula said the new recoveries are from Hardap 8, Khomas 7 and //Kharas … Read More

by Okeri Ngetjinazo

LOCAL specialist physician Dr Ishmael Katjitae says the condition of two patients, who have been treated with remdesevir – an antiviral medicine used in patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, has shown improvement so far.

The country received 1 000 ampoules of the antiviral medicine two weeks ago, which has been distributed to state and private hospitals. The ministry of health ordered 3 000 ampoules in total with the rest yet to arrive.

The drug is only administered to hospitalised patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms and it has been found to shorten the … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

DESPITE Namibia’s medium-income status, which disqualifies the country from accessing grants, it will be forking out millions to access a new trial vaccine.

The vaccine, called Covax, will be on trial in 54 African countries.

About eight medium to high-income African countries, including Namibia, will have to pay for the vaccine, while 46 poor to very poor countries on the continent will receive it at a subsidised fee.

Namibia in August expressed the country’s interest in officially joining the global move to develop a vaccine against Covid-19.

Minister … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

NAMIBIA has recorded 171 newly confirmed coronavirus infections, 143 new recoveries from the virus and two deaths linked to Covid-19.

This was announced by health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe on Sunday evening.

Nangombe said the youngest of the newly confirmed cases is one month old and the oldest is aged 79.

Windhoek recorded 120 new coronavirus infections over the past day, Swakopmund 15, Walvis Bay 12, Okahandja 7, Rehoboth 5, Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Mariental, Rundu and Katima Mulilo two each, and Andara and Okakarara one each.

Nangombe said the total number of samples tested since the outbreak … Read More

Namibia has recorded 191 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 32 new recoveries. There were no deaths recorded.

This was announced this evening by the health ministry’s executive director Ben Nangombe. He said of the confirmed cases, 99 are male and 92 are female. The youngest is one and the oldest is 92 years old.

Windhoek recorded 87, Keetmanshoop 17, Walvis Bay 14, Rundu 13, Mariental 9, Tsumeb 7, Usakos 6, Oshakati 5, Gobabis 4, three each from Omaruru, Rehoboth, Otjiwarongo, Okahandja and Engela, two each from Karasburg, Swakopmund, Okakarara, Oshikuku and Outapi, and one each from Lüderitz, Onandjokwe, Opuwo and Katima … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE country has recorded one more death and 128 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 3 611.

This was announced this afternoon by health minister Kalumbi Shajngula. The minister said the death is of a 51-year-old man from Outapi district in Omusati region with no known co-morbidities.

He said the recoveries are from Khomas (112) and Ohangwena (16).

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 241 new Covid-19 confirmed cases of which 135 are males and 106 are females. The youngest is a one-month-old baby and the oldest is 81 years old.

Windhoek recorded 170, Walvis Bay 11, … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

MINISTER of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula yesterday said remdesivir, an antiviral medicine used in patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, should not be seen as a cure or a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

The country received 1 000 ampoules of the treatment last Monday and is awaiting 2 000 more.

The ampoules cost the ministry more than N$3 million.

So far the medication has been distributed to some health facilities, while others are still ordering it from the Central Medical Stores.

“I would like to clarify that this medicine is neither a cure … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale and Victoria Wolf

Namibian Correctional Service commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela says it is difficult to isolate prison inmates because there are not enough rooms for prisoners who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Hamunyela made this comment after an official from Windhoek Correctional Facility contacted The Namibian to complain that no social distancing measures were in place at the prison and no masks were provided at the facility. 

“The inmates are overcrowded and there’s no testing happening. It’s not right and we are at risk,” the official said. 

Hamunyela said the correctional facility could not afford … Read More

by Victoria Wolf

More than 400 healthcare workers have received online Covid-19 training from the health ministry’s National Healthcare Training Centre.

Funded by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation, the training took place over the past two weeks … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH UPDATE: The deaths of four more people who contracted the novel coronavirus has brought Namibia’s Covid-19 death toll to 86.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Thursday afternoon announced that another four people – three men, aged 64, 49 and 41, and a 32-year-old woman – who had been infected with the coronavirus have died. Two of the people who died were from Windhoek, while one died at Oshakati and one at Walvis Bay.

Shangula further said the country has recorded 238 new confirmed coronavirus infections. Of these, 126 are male and 112 female. The youngest is … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

The Namibian Police’s community affairs commander in Erongo has urged residents at especially Walvis Bay to keep adhering to Covid-19 safety measures.

Inspector Ileni Shapumba on Tuesday said although people are now allowed to travel to and from Walvis Bay, residents still have to act responsibly to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus and spreading it to other people.

Some residents have started walking around without masks, assuming the virus has moved to Windhoek – which could set a dangerous example for children who restart school next week.

“Some residents have been relaxing the use of face masks … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira

“IT’S quite an emotionally draining thing to be by yourself the whole time, but I didn’t want to expose my kids.”

Windhoek-based pulmonologist Dr Willie Bruwer says the time he spent in self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 was frustrating, but it had to be done.

Frontline healthcare workers such as Bruwer put themselves and their families at risk every day to save the lives of people who have contracted the novel coronavirus.

The specialist, who recovered from Covid-19 last month, says his case was not severe and he recovered within 10 days.

As … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

More than 300 health workers in Namibia have contracted the novel coronavirus, health minister Kalumbi Shangula says.

Shangula said during the daily briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic on Wednesday that 333 health workers have been infected with the coronavirus, with 223 of these people employed in government health facilities, 109 working in the private health sector, and one attached to a non-governmental organisation.

“We noticed that the number of health workers infected is high in areas with a high burden of confirmed cases … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo and Yokany Oliveira

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says the country’s first batch of remdesivir, an antiviral drug used in patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, has been distributed to various hospitals.

The health ministry has ordered more than N$3 million worth of the medication so far.

Namibia received 1 000 ampoules of the drug on Monday last week and is still waiting for more. The minister, however, did not indicate to which hospitals the first batch was sent to.

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug which was developed by an American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences to treat … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE number of people who have been in quarantine facilities in Namibia during the Covid-19 pandemic increased drastically from 6 539 to 10 229 in August.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula yesterday said this is an increase of 3 690 in one month.

Among a sample of 3 218 people in quarantine who were tested, 112 (3,5%) were positive for Covid-19.

“Quarantining the contacts of cases plays an essential role in preventing the spread of Covid-19 among populations,” Shangula said at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek yesterday.

As of yesterday, Shangula said, the … Read More

Ester Mbathera

Welwitschia Hospital at Walvis Bay has opened a 40-bed container-based ward for Covid-19 isolation purposes.

According to Eleanor Jansen, infection prevention and control coordinator at the hospital, the ward will complement its existing 33-bed ward currently filling up with coronavirus patients.

She says despite the number of novel coronavirus infections stabilising in the Erongo region, the hospital wanted to be ready for any eventuality as “the virus is unpredictable”.

“As we all know that the epicentre was us [Walvis Bay], as the prediction goes we will definitely have slowed in … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE country has recorded another six deaths related to Covid-19.

Namibia has also reported 142 newly confirmed novel coronavirus infections and 52 new recoveries from the virus.

This was announced by the minister of health and social services, Kalumbi Shangula, on Tuesday afternoon.

Shangula said two of the six people who died after contracting the coronavirus are male and four are female, with their ages ranging from 43 to 88 years. Three of the people died at Rehoboth, two in Windhoek and one – an 88-year-old man – at Walvis Bay.

The minister said 94 of the … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

Namibia received its first batch of remdesivir, an antiviral drug used in patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, last week Monday.

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication originally developed by US-based biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences to treat Ebola. Although the drug did not work well against that disease, it later showed promise fighting SARS and MERS (illnesses caused by coronaviruses) in animal and lab studies.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula told The Namibian this morning that the government has received 1 000 ampoules of the drug and are still waiting for more. He noted that the drug can … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

DEPUTY health minister Ester Muinjangue on Monday afternoon announced the death of a health worker infected with the novel coronavirus.

The health worker – a 59-year-old female from the Swakopmund district – was known to have multiple comorbidities, Muinjangue said.

She recounted that the woman presented to a health facility on 20 August with Covid-19 symptoms and was swabbed for the coronavirus. Muinjangue said the patient’s results came out as positive and she remained in a severe state. Her condition deteriorated and she died on Sunday (30 August).

The country also recorded … Read More

by Charmaine Ngtujinazo

LABOUR expert Herbert Jauch has given a harrowing account of his battle against Covid-19, giving hope for many who have fallen victim to the ravaging pandemic.

After being discharged from Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek on Friday, Jauch recounted his experience, which he describes as near-death, on camera.

The labour expert paid a moving tribute to front-line health workers who he said, despite not knowing him, did their best to save his life.

Jauch (61) contracted the potentially deadly disease about 12 days ago, and over time his condition deteriorated and had him preparing for the … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

FAMILIES of those who succumbed to the novel coronavirus may transport their loved ones’ remains only if the deceased was cremated at their cost.

In addition, the families would have to provide two caskets for cremation and burial purposes.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has compiled a document setting out procedures and legal requirements related to the burial of those who succumbed to Covid-19, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced on Friday at State House.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected and changed all aspects of life. This includes the way … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services is investigating a complaint by a mother who says her baby did not die of Covid-19 as the government announced on Saturday.

Ndillimekkeh Kanyumbo (26) told The Namibian yesterday her three-month-old son died in her arms of what health minister Kalumbi Shangula said was Covid-19.

“I was holding my son’s lifeless body in my … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Taati Niilenge

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob on Friday made leeway for people living at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis to access all other regions of the country, except Windhoek.

Yesterday, residents started travelling out of the Erongo region in droves amid fears that the virus would now spike in the northern and other parts of the country.

The move brought a sigh of relief to coastal residents who had endured roughly three months under a hard lockdown.

The president on Friday said: “For the Khomas region, the current dispensation will be maintained and extended. Travel restrictions remain … Read More

Health update … Namibia has recorded 249 new Covid-19 cases.

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Apart from this, the country has recorded 112 new recoveries and three more deaths.

This was announced this evening by deputy minister of health and social services Ester Muinjangue.

Of the new cases, 136 are women and 113 men.

The youngest new case is a month old and the oldest is 81.

Windhoek recorded the highest number of new cases with 206, followed by Eenhana with 12, Walvis Bay with eight, and Otjiwarongo and Okahandja with four.

Oshakati has three new … Read More

by Victoria Wolf

CITY of Windhoek chief executive officer Robert Kahimise has recovered from Covid-19, the city announced in a statement today.

“We are pleased to inform you that Mr Robert Kahimise, chief executive officer of the City of Windhoek, has been cleared of Covid-19,” spokesperson Harold Akwenye said.

Kahimise is expected back in the office tomorrow, he said.

Kahimise tested positive for the virus two weeks ago and went into self-isolation. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A three-month-old baby in Windhoek has died of the novel coronavirus, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced on Saturday.

He said the baby was presented to a local health facility on 17 August with a loss of appetite and vomiting.

The minister said the baby boy was also due for routine immunisation, which was duly administered.

“He later developed fever and died at home on 21 August. He was swabbed on 24 August and his test results came back positive on 26 August,” Shangula said.

The country has also reported three other Covid-19 deaths … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Five more Namibians died of Covid-19.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula today said the country’s youngest Covid-19 death to date is that of a 17-year-old in Windhoek with multiple comorbidities.

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Shangula said the patient presented with severe symptoms consistent with Covid-19.

“She was swabbed on 18 August and her results came out positive. Her condition deteriorated and she died on 26 August,” he said.

Three women aged 69, 90 and 78 years old also died in the capital.

A 66-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities died at Walvis Bay.

“We extend our sincere condolences to … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

Potential Covid-19 patients kept at a quarantine facility at Keetmanshoop on Friday threatened to leave in protest of the delay in getting their test results.

Johanna Rooi (26) said she was admitted to the facility on 13 August, and was tested for Covid-19.

According to her, her children aged three ande five years were also taken without her consent to a quarantine facility at Rosh Pinah.

She said the children were released after week and had been in the … Read More

COVID-19 UPDATE: President Hage Geingob says Namibia is working to strengthen its Covid-19 testing capacity seeing that the country has the highest rate of infections in Africa.

Geingob says the country is monitoring the geographic spread of the virus, saying the Khomas region has shown a sharp rise in the number of cases. He says the top three regions with high cases are Erongo, Khomas and //Kharas while the other regions are experiencing sporadic and cluster community transmissions.

To date, Geingob says 65 people have succumbed to the deadly virus.

He stressed that most of the deaths were recorded in … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A DIRE shortage of isolation facilities in the Khomas region has left 1 941 Covid-19 patients isolating at home as the virus spreads unabated.

This means out of 2 050 active cases, only 109 are currently in isolation facilities.

The total confirmed cases in the region stood at 2 563 on Wednesday, … Read More

by Lugeretzia Kooper

RESIDENTS of the Zambezi region are concerned about the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the region.

It has reported about 15 positive cases on Thursday, which is the highest number in a day so far.

The region currently has 37 confirmed cases, 14 recoveries, 109 active contacts and 77 people in quarantine.

Residents say this increase is a clear indication that regulations are not adhered to.

“Citizens should change their mindset and act responsibly, and not expect law-enforcement officers to help them wear masks and adhere to social distancing. If need be, let … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed six novel coronavirus cases.

The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the cases were recorded since 7 August 2020.

The ministry said since recording the cases, set health protocols and standards as guided by the health and social services ministry were followed.

“The ministry would like to further inform the public that the operations of the ministry shall continue as usual.

The ministry encourages the public to adhere to the Covid-19 safety protocols at all times,” the ministry added.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded the death of a 25-year-old man due to Covid-19 in Windhoek, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Thursday.

This brings the total death toll in the country to 60. Meanwhile, the country recorded 281 new Covid-19 cases, with Windhoek reporting 163 cases, Swakopmund 24, Oshakati 19, Katima Mulilo 15, Walvis Bay and Keetmanshoop 13 each.

Engela recorded six, Okahandja five, Otjiwarongo and Mariental four each, while Rundu three, Rehoboth, Lüderitz, and Gobabis had two each, and Grootfontein, Outapi, Oshikuku and Onadjokwe one each.

The minister added that the number of new … Read More

JUST IN: President Hage Geingob will brief the country on national response measures taken against Covid-19 at 15h00 on Friday, 28 August. The public is advised to follow the event on the presidency’s social media where it will be live-streamed.

… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Victoria Wolf

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has appointed 2 627 more workers to help in the fight against Covid-19 as more healthcare workers test positive for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 229 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus.

“We have appointed various categories of people for Covid-19. As the number of cases increases and some health workers are quarantined or isolated, they have to be substituted,” minister of health … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Khomas regional governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua says the region continues to record shocking numbers of new Covid-19 cases.

Speaking at the region’s Covid-19 response briefing today, she said the region reported a staggering total of 736 cases in the past five days.

She said the region currently has 2 400 confirmed cases, with 2 033 active cases, 513 recoveries, and 24 deaths.

Only 109 people are still in isolation.

The governor said the region’s hotspots are Khomasdal, Otjomuise, Goreangab, Greenwell, Okuryangava, Olympia and Cimbebasia among others.

“As local residents, we must not take the situation lightly. We need … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

NAMIBIA has recorded 271 new Covid-19 cases and two more deaths, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Wednesday afternoon.

He said of the confirmed cases, 144 are males and 127 are females. The youngest is three months old and the oldest 83 years old.

Windhoek recorded the highest number of cases with 170, Mariental 18, Walvis Bay 14, Swakopmund 13, Keetmanshoop 12, Oshakati 9, Rehoboth 6, Outapi 5, three each from Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Okongo and Gobabis.

There are two cases each from Lüderitz, Engela, Tsumeb and Katima Mulilo while Karasburg, Okakarara, Rundu and Opuwo recorded one case … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

VETERAN politician Dirk Mudge succumbed to Covid-19 last night.

According to his son Henk, Mudge died at the Windhoek Mediclinic. He was 92 years old.

“Yes, he died of Covid-19 last night. He had some problems [. . .] he had a lung infection,” his son said.

It is not clear when Mudge would be laid to rest.

“We are waiting for Friday to see what the new regulations are,” Henk said.

Mudge was a member of the Constituent Assembly, which wrote Namibia’s Constitution after the 1989 election that led to the country’s … Read More

by Charlotte Nambadja

THE City of Windhoek has announced the temporary closure of its main electricity department office building, located at the old power station, due to a possible risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus.

With the electricity department’s offices closed with immediate effect on Monday, the city said walk-in customers would not be allowed to enter the department office building until the end of the stage 3 Covid-19 lockdown period.

Building plans and engineering design approvals will only be handled after the lifting of the stage 3 lockdown restrictions, the city … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA today recorded one Covid-19-related death at Rundu, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula announced.

He said the deceased was a 41-year-old with no known underlying conditions. This brings the country’s total death toll to 57.

Namibia reported 130 new cases today.

Windhoek reported 62, followed by Walvis Bay with 32 and Swakopmund with 14, while Rehoboth and Usakos reported six and four new cases respectively.

Karasburg and Lüderitz reported two each, while Mariental, Keetmanshoop, Okahandja, Okahao, Gobabis, Rundu and Outjo reported one each.

A total of 169 new recoveries … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

ABOUT 100 prisoners at the Windhoek Correctional Facility have contracted Covid-19.

This was revealed by Raphael Hamunyela, commissioner general of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) on Sunday.

He said all these cases were recorded within one week.

Hamunyela said although the affected inmates are in separate cells, it is feared that more inmates may contract the virus as the facility does not have enough cells to keep more cases separate.

He said the involved inmates are fed food rich in vitamin C and protein.

“The virus is already here. … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

POLICE in Omusati region arrested and fined more than 20 people for violating Covid-19 state of emergency regulations last weekend.

Of those arrested, two were a bride and a groom arrested at two different weddings and were each found hosting large numbers of people at wedding receptions at their homesteads.

According to Omusati police regional commander, Titus Shikongo, many of these arrests were made at wedding ceremonies as many couples continue hosting large wedding receptions in disregard of the Covid-19 regulations.

“We are not against people getting married, we want people … Read More

by Clemans Miyancwe

AFTER the first Covid-19 case was reported at Khorixas, residents realized that the virus was real and spoke of what must be done.

Julien /Uises, a caretaker for the Namibian Red Cross Society at Khorixas said she was not shocked as she had undergone training on Covid-19 and urged the community to adhere to government regulations.

“Let’s be serious and adhere to government regulations. Khorixas is a small town and things might get out of hand,” /Uises said and also advised parents to stop sending their children on countless errands and that people should avoid going out … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia reports four more Covid-19 related deaths, deputy health and social services minister Utjiua Muinjangue said Monday.

Two of the deaths are from Windhoek, while Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have one each.

The deputy minister added that the country also reports 176 new positive novel coronavirus cases.

Windhoek recorded the highest cases at 126, followed by Swakopmund and Oshakati with nine each, while Onandjokwe reported eight cases followed by Mariental with seven, Walvis Bay four and Rehoboth three. Tsandi, Katima Mulilo and Engela each report two new cases, while Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Khorixas and Gobabis one each.

Muinjangue … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Wilka Kayoka

THE government has announced plans to decongest the Khomas region’s sprawling shacks to ease the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister of urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni has revealed this yesterday, saying plans were afoot to identify an area where residents can be relocated to with sufficient amenities.

“We have requested local authorities to try their level best to identify areas to help the process of decongestion. The City of Windhoek has been tasked with that as well, and it is our hope that they … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Ester Mbathera

NAMIBIA has surpassed other African countries on the rate at which the country is reporting new cases of the coronavirus.

As per global statistics, Namibia now tops African countries in the number of confirmed cases reported daily, with an average of eight cases per 100 000 people daily.

South Africa is reported to be at seven cases per 100 000 people, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula said over the weekend.

As … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

DEPUTY health minister Ester Muinjangue on Sunday evening announced that another six people have died in Namibia after being infected with the novel coronavirus.

With the six deaths included, the country has now recorded 52 fatalities linked to the coronavirus disease, Covid-19.

Muinjangue also announced that Namibia has recorded another 316 confirmed novel coronavirus infections, taking the country’s total number of infections with the virus to 5 854.

She added that 170 of the people newly confirmed … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

A 49-year-old female police officer succumbed to Covid-19 at Eenhana in the Ohangwena region on Thursday.

• 

This is the first Covid-19-related death recorded in the region.
The deceased (name withheld at the request of the family), was buried at Omhito cemetery at Eenhana on Saturday.

Deputy health minister Esther Muinjangue on Saturday announced that the country has recorded four new Covid-19-related deaths,  311 new cases and three recoveries.

“The patient from Eenhana is a 49-year-old woman, she was initially seen at a private healthcare facility at Eenhana on 18 August when she had symptoms consistent … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Another four people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in Namibia have died, bringing the country’s Covid-19 death toll to 46.

• 

The country has also recorded 311 newly confirmed coronavirus infections since Friday, deputy health minister Esther Muinjangue announced on Saturday.

Two of the deaths are from Walvis Bay, one is from Swakopmund and one from Eenhana.

The Eenhana case is that of a 49-year-old woman who had no pre-existing conditions.

The Swakopmund case is that of a 60-year-old woman with pre-existing health conditions.

The deaths from Walvis Bay are those of a … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded 315 new coronavirus infections – the most the country has registered in a single day.

The country has also recorded another Covid-19-related death, with a 44-year-old man who had underlying health conditions dying on Sunday last weekend.

Deputy health and social services minister Esther Muinjangue said on Friday that the man from Windhoek presented to a local healthcare facility on 13 August with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 and was swabbed for the novel coronavirus and discharged to return home.

On 16 August he experienced severe symptoms and was brought to a local health facility, … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua says the region has now been declared a hotspot due to its increasing number of novel coronavirus infections.

She says the Khomas region’s confirmed cases stand at 1 482, with 1 208 active cases, 259 recoveries and 17 deaths linked to the novel coronavirus.

Speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek on Friday, she added that 115 people are in isolation facilities in Khomas and 200 people are quarantined.

McLeod-Katjirua said the region plans to acquire three new isolation facilities with a capacity to accommodate 68 people and also wants to acquire … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

The Oshakati Town Council has temporarily closed its offices after one of the members of the interview panel had tested positive for Covid-19 from today until further notice.

The offices are said to be undergoing thorough disinfection during the period of closure.

The council’s management committee members and senior officials who were part of the interview panel had been in self-isolation for about two weeks now after it was announced that the City of Windhoek, chief executive officer (CEO) Robert Kahimise had tested positive for Covid-19.

Kahimise was part of the interview panel for the interview of … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH UPDATE … Namibia has recorded another two deaths linked to the novel coronavirus, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Thursday.

He said the deaths are both from Windhoek, and are of a 72-year-old man and an 82-year-old woman.

This brings the country’s coronavirus death toll to 41.

Shangula said the country has also recorded 247 new coronavirus infections, with Windhoek reporting the most at 149, Walvis Bay recording 46 new infections, Oshakati 15, Swakopmund 10, Onandjokwe and Engela four each, Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Tsumeb three each, Grootfontein, Gobabis and Rehoboth two each, … Read More

by Lugeretzia Cloete

THE Katima Mulilo Town Council’s offices will be closed temporarily after a staff member tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

In a public notice on Thursday, the town council’s chief executive officer, Raphael Liswaniso, said the closure was done as a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of the council’s employees and customers. He said the council’s offices would be closed from Thursday (20 August) to 31 August for comprehensive disinfection.

“All close contacts will be isolated,” Liswaniso added.

He also said the closure would not include … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

DEATHS attributed to the novel coronavirus have spiked to 39, with two more fatalities announced yesterday.

The death toll is expected to spike even further with the high numbers of Covid-19 cases being recorded, especially in Windhoek, which has now become the epicentre, eclipsing Walvis Bay.

Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula yesterday announced 201 new coronavirus cases with 158 of them from Windhoek, with Walvis Bay reporting 17 and Swakopmund 11.

The director of the Centres for Disease Control Eric Dziuban said the increases in numbers of deaths due to Covid-19 are usually delayed by … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

A NAMIBIA De Beers (Namdeb) employee at Oranjemund has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

In a news alert issued on Monday, Namdeb chief operating officer Jurgen Jacob confirmed the infection of an employee who travelled to Keetmanshoop to attend a family event where someone from Windhoek who later tested positive for the novel coronavirus was also present.

Jacob said the employee from Namdeb’s southern coastal mines reported for work on 12 August, but was booked off from 13 August as he was unwell.

“The employee sought medical attention at the … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia has recorded another two deaths linked to the novel coronavirus, 201 new infections with the virus, and the recovery of 19 people who contracted the virus.

Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday said 158 of the new coronavirus cases are from Windhoek, which is now the epicentre of the virus outbreak in Namibia.

Walvis Bay has reported 17 new cases, Swakopmund 11, Oshakati seven, Otjiwarongo, Rehoboth and Katima Mulilo two each, and Okahandja and Okakarara one each.

The 19 recoveries are all from the Khomas region, while the two latest deaths are from … Read More

by Cloete Luqman

TEACHERS at Mariental Primary School refused to return to work after two colleagues tested positive for Covid-19.

Last Thursday, all staff at the school underwent Covid-19 tests following confirmation of the status of their two colleagues.

The school was disinfected the same day the teachers took the Covid-19 tests.

The teachers said the principal, Manfred Morris Isaack, had instructed them through the school’s WhatsApp group platform, except those with high-risk for Covid-19, to … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THIRTEEN inmates are among the new Covid-19 cases confirmed yesterday.

Announcing the latest update on the pandemic, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula confirmed the Namibian Correctional Service has been hit by the pandemic.

He said Namibia yesterday recorded 120 new Covid-19 cases, with 72 from Windhoek.

“It is imperative that people in secluded places like prisons, holding cells, hospitals, hostels, police camps, military barracks et cetera observe more precautionary measures, as the risk of fast transmission to a number of people is very high in these settings,” Shangula said.

Swakopmund yesterday recorded the second … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

STAFF of a state ambulance service claim they had to return to work after a driver tested positive for Covid-19 last Saturday.

Current regulations dictate that when an individual is suspected or confirmed to have the coronavirus, the person should be isolated and the area concerned should be closed off for disinfection for 24 hours.

But on 9 August, after the ambulance driver tested positive, his colleagues were tested and continued their duties, they say.

Of these colleagues, seven received their test results on Thursday, which was positive for Covid-19.

Only then were they isolated, they say, … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula has announced that the first death linked to Covid-19 has been recorded in the Oshana region.

Shangula on Tuesday said a 65-year-old man from Ongwediva who was known to have multiple comorbidities died on Sunday, twelve days after being admitted to a private hospital and eleven days after he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“He was admitted and tested on 4 August at a local private hospital, as he presented with symptoms consistent with Covid-19,” Shangula said.

“The result came out positive … Read More

by Eliaser Ndiyanale

LOCAL authorities have been told to develop urgent decongestion plans to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

This directive is contained in a letter minister of urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni wrote to mayors and regional governors last week.

Uutoni said his instruction is in line with a directive of minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula on the country’s migration from stage 4 of state of emergency regulations to stage 3 as announced on 12 August.

Uutoni implored Namibia’s local authorities to identify settlements or residential areas in their localities and establish the number of … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo and Victoria Wolf

NAMIBIANS who have succumbed to the novel coronavirus may be cremated by their next of kin.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula yesterday said this is part of the standard operating procedure for Covid-19-related deaths.

All deaths and funerals related to Covid-19 will be handled by the government with psychosocial support to the family of the deceased, he said.

Shangula’s response addressed claims of preferential treatment shown to founding president Sam Nujoma’s sister, Sofia Asino, who died of Covid-19 on Friday.

Shangula, who confirmed Asino’s death, said her body had been cremated … Read More

by Wilka Kayoko

THE Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has confirmed that two more of its staff members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The university has now recorded six confirmed coronavirus infections to date.

One of the two staff members now confirmed to have contracted the virus works in the office of the registrar, while the other is attached to the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences.

Nust’s acting vice chancellor, Andrew Niikondo, said the two employees received their positive test results on 14 and 16 … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE novel coronavirus cases in Windhoek have increased exponentially in the past few weeks, with total cases exceeding the 1 000 mark.

As … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A worker at Dundee Precious Metals at Tsumeb has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The company’s vice president and managing director Zebra Kasete announced this in an internal communique issued Monday.

 Kasete said the employee was on site prior to being tested in Windhoek and is currently in the capital in an isolation facility.

Kasete reassured all employees that the Dundee’s emergency response protocol was immediately initiated and that contact tracing has commenced. 

“All employees who worked in close contact with the infected employee are currently receiving necessary support including emotional support. Employee safety and that … Read More

Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded another death linked to a novel coronavirus infection in Windhoek.

He said a 69-year-old woman with Covid-19 symptoms was admitted to a health facility on 11 August and died two days later. She is known to have had underlying health conditions.

This brings Namibia’s total number of deaths related to Covid-19 to 36.

Shangula on Monday also announced 190 new coronavirus infections in Namibia, with 152 of those infections recorded in Windhoek. 

“The Windhoek cases are increasing exponentially. In the last two weeks alone, cases reported on a daily … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Hileni Nembwaya

MORE than 100 of Namibia’s healthcare workers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

This was revealed by ministry of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula who announced on Saturday that 11 healthcare workers – … Read More

by Victoria Wolf and Arlana Shikongo

FOUNDING president Sam Nujoma’s sister Sofia Asino died of Covid-19 last week Friday.

Asino died in Windhoek, where she had come to receive treatment for her knee.

Health minister Kalumbi Shajngula, who confirmed her death, said Asino’s body has been cremated and can therefore be transported for burial without posing a public health risk.

“The body of Ms Asino was cremated within 48 hours. It is no longer a risk for Covid-19 infection and can safely be transported to a burial site which the family chooses,” he told The Namibian … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Sanlam Namibia’s client service department in Windhoek has been temporarily closed after two staff members tested positive for the coronavirus. 

The department will be closed for two days – from Monday 17 August and Tuesday 18 August 2020 for comprehensive disinfection.

This is a precautionary measure to reduce further exposure to staff and clients.

“The public is hereby informed that the organisation is still operational, only the walk-in client service office will be closed. No major disruptions are envisaged,” said Sanlam Group spokesperson Hilaria Graig in a statement released on Sunday.

She added that to support the … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

TWO employees of New Era Publication Corporation have tested positive for Covid-19, the company’s chief executive officer, Christof Maletsky, said in an internal memo on Saturday.

“The staff member has been in isolation [not in the office] for the last two weeks. We are glad to report that both colleagues are already showing signs of recovery but will not be back to the office until all procedures are completed to ensure their health status as well as prevention of any spread,” he said.

He added that since the deep-cleaning of the offices was done on Friday, there … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

Namibia has recorded 247 new Covid-19 cases this evening, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said.

The minister said this is the highest number of cases reported in a single day.

Of these cases, the Khomas region reported 136, Erongo 71, Oshana nine, Oshikoto five, Otjozondjupa seven, //Kharas seven, Hardap seven, Omaheke two, Omusati two and Kavango East one.

Shangula said the number of cases in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions are increasing with many linked to Walvis Bay, but increasingly linked to Windhoek through travelling and contacts.

He said cases at Okahandja have also been increasing. Most of … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia reported four new Covid-19 deaths and 181 new cases today.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says 109 of the new cases were reported in Windhoek.

Three of the four deaths reported were in Windhoek and one at Walvis Bay.

Walvis Bay reported 44 new cases, Swakopmund 13, Arandis one, Onandjokwe seven, Katima Mulilo three, Oshakati two, Outapi two, and Okahao one.

Among the Windhoek cases, four are working at the same salon, Shangula says.

“We need to take note of places where transmission is likely to be high, and avoid such places if … Read More

by Victoria Wolf

The Roads Authority has announced that its Natis offices will stay open countrywide while stage 3 of the Covid-19 state of emergency is in force.

Services will, however, be limited and there will be reduced staff, to comply with Covid-19 preventative measures.

“We wish to appeal to clients to visit our offices for urgent Natis services only to avoid long queues and congestion,” Roads Authority spokesperson Hileni Filemon said in a statement.

She added that the transport regulations permits office in Windhoek would also continue to operate.

Filemon also said applications for learners driving licences at Natis … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA reported four new Covid-19 related deaths and 182 new cases, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Friday.

One death, is from Swakopmund while three others are from Windhoek.

Windhoek reported 91 cases of Covid-19, Walvis Bay 58, Swakopmund 16, Gobabis 5, Okahandja 2, Oshakati 3, Luderitz 3, Okakarara 1, Otjiwarongo 1, Rundu 1 and Katima Mulilo 1.

The minister said from the cases announced on Thursday, 15 were health care workers.

Namibia has however recorded 1 494 recoveries, with 1 458 of them from Erongo.

Namibia now has 3 726 confirmed cases , 2 342 recoveries, … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

PRESIDENTIAL advisor Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi has tested positive for Covid-19.

A statement from the presidency said she tested positive for the virus on 13 August 2020.

According to the statement, the advisor remains asymptomatic.

Zaamwani-Kamwi commenced with self-isolation on Tuesday, 11 August 2020 after coming in close contact with a confirmed case.

“The Presidency will be disinfected over the weekend and staff members will work from home for the coming seven day period. Only essential staff will report for duty.

“The Presidency wishes to thank you, the Namibian public for your understanding during this period,” the … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

CITY of Windhoek chief executive officer Robert Kahimise has tested positive for Covid-19.

The city’s acting chief executive officer O’Brien Hekandjo said Kahimise is currently in self-isolation and the city council is busy with contact tracing.

“You are hereby informed that our chief executive officer Mr Robert Kahimise has tested positive for Covid-19. He is currently in self-isolation as per the relevant guidelines,” Hekandjo said in an internal memo.… Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

SOME of the Development Bank of Namibia support offices in Windhoek will be closed for disinfection after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.



In a statement issued on Thursday, DBN corporate communication and stakeholder relations specialist Di-Anna Grobler said the bank’s support offices and the SME Centre in the Development Fund of Namibia (DFN) building will be closed until Sunday.



The DFN building is adjacent to the DBN head office. Both buildings are sanitised every weekend, Grobler detailed.



“In line with national Covid-19 protocols, the DFN building will be closed for disinfection and … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Thursday afternoon that the country had recorded 138 new Covid-19 cases.

Of these cases, 71 are male and 67 are female. The youngest is two months old and the oldest 78 years old.

The minister said Windhoek recorded the highest cases with 64, followed by Walvis Bay with 44, Swakopmund 15. Oshakati and Keetmanshoop recorded three cases each while Usakos, Mariental, Rehoboth, Onandjokwe, Okakarara, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Oshikuku and Okongo reported one each.

Shangula said eleven recoveries were reported from Erongo and two from Omaheke while other regions are yet to verify … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE government has imposed a curfew on the Erongo and Khomas regions starting today, following a spike in Covid-19 cases in these regions.

The curfew means no movement of people will be permitted in the restricted areas between 20h00 to 05h00 daily for the next 16 days – unless they are in possession of an authorising permit as an essential service provider.

The curfew will lapse on 28 August midnight.

The government is set to release full regulations on the curfew, including penalties for those found to be contravening regulations, today.

The last time … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA’S novel coronavirus deaths currently stand at 22 after the country today reported three new deaths.

Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said the country also reported 177 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 3 406.

“Of these 102 are male and 75 are female. The youngest is a one-year-old, while the oldest is 82,” Shangula said.

Walvis Bay recorded the highest cases at 77, followed by Windhoek with 67, Swakopmund 18, Oshakati eight, Usakos two, Mariental two, Onandjokwe two and Rehoboth one.

The minister said the deaths are reported at Swakopmund, Windhoek … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula has said the high level delegation that went to assess the Covid-19 situation at Walvis Bay and the Erongo region at large is currently subjected to mandatory quarantine.

The delegation returned to Windhoek after visiting various places in the region, which was at the time the epicentre of the novel coronavirus, to assess the situation.

The delegation was led by deputy minister of labour and employment creation, Hafeni Ndemula – who was previously a regional councillor at Walvis Bay – as the head of delegation. He was accompanied by … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula has announced that prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is in isolation at home after coming in contact with a positive case.

The deputy prime minister and minister of international relations Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is also in home isolation after a staff member at the ministry tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“This does not mean that they are positive but they have to be tested as a precautionary measure,” Shangula said.

The minister was responding to questions from The Namibian on whether any Cabinet ministers are in isolation or quarantine after the … Read More

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob says Namibia has reported more novel coronavirus cases in July than any other month and August is projected to record more cases.

The president said it took Namibia 11 days to reach 3 000 cases.

Speaking at State House, he said the government is monitoring the situation seeing that all 14 regions of the country now have confirmed cases. Geingob said decisions need to be taken but safe guarding people’s livelihoods is of utmost importance.

The president further expressed concern over the number of health care workers that have contracted the virus.

The president further urged Namibians … Read More

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has compiled guidelines on how to deal with exposure to the novel coronavirus in public areas and at work.

Transmission of Covid-19

Through droplets when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes;
Close contact such as touching and hand shaking;
Touching surfaces such as doorknobs and tables that are contaminated with the virus; and
Aerosolisation medical procedures, among others.

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What to do when a case is suspected or confirmed at a public or workplace

* In the event where a person (whether an employer, employee or visitor) in … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

INDIVIDUALS who deliberately ignore the advice of health authorities to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 should be criminally charged.

This is according to police chief inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga in response to a video that went viral on social media showing a young man attending a house party after being told to self-isolate by the authorities.

On his WhatsApp status the young man confirmed he tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, and requested all those who were in contact with him this past weekend to be tested.

“Just in: Tested positive for Covid-19. … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

SECRETARY to the Cabinet George Simataa has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Simataa declined to comment when approached for comment earlier today. 

“I appreciate your enquiry. I wish to inform you that the health status of any individual is a matter of privacy. I am thus unable to respond to your question,” he said.

He however told the NBC today he was informed on Sunday that he tested positive for Covid-19 despite not showing any symptoms.

Simataa said he was informed by doctors that he was “safe”.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula announced that Namibia reported 128 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday.

He said 79 cases are from Windhoek, 35 from Walvis Bay, 10 from Swakopmund with Onadjokwe, Oshakati, Outapi, Keetmanshoop all having one case each.

“Windhoek cases continue to increase rapidly and among them are three health care workers. As I emphasised yesterday, our health workers need to protect themselves and need to be protected because we need them to care for others,” he said.

The minister added that the country is increasingly seeing cases with Covid-19 symptoms, which is becoming a worrying trend. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The finance ministry on Tuesday announced that a staff member based at its Inland Revenue office in Windhoek tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

As a precautionary measure, the entire building where the offices are housed will be closed from today until tomorrow for disinfection.

Normal businesses at the building will resume on 13 August 2020.

“During this temporary closure of the building, the tax services such as income tax assessments, tax directives, payments  reconciliation, customer care and cash offices will unfortunately be closed,” the finance ministry’s spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu said.

He said services offered at the … Read More

by Victoria Wolf

TWO employees at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare have tested positive for Covid-19.

This follows an announcement by the ministry earlier today that its head office would be closed for disinfection for the remainder of the week.

Both employees work at the ministry’s head office.

Ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku says: “We have a high influx of people, especially in our children’s department, so this is a precautionary measure.”

Haufiku says through contact tracing, three additional people with exposure to Covid-19 were found to have visited the ministry’s head office recently.

“Our employees … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

TESTING capacity for the novel coronavirus will be intensified in Windhoek after the city reported 73 new Covid-19 cases yesterday.

This also follows after experts said the city is poised to become the epicentre of the outbreak in Namibia.

The 73 positive cases in Windhoek are part of 152 new cases in the country as announced by minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula yesterday.

Shangula said 28 cases are from one area, while 10 cases were reportedly from the … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has given a thumbs-up to the responses the government has implemented to combat Covid-19.

In their latest paper titled ‘Helping the people: Welfare and assistance measures, the story so far’, independent think tank IPPR said Namibia’s efforts in the midst of a ravaging pandemic represents a far greater challenge than getting through a harsh but limited coronavirus-imposed lockdown.

“The crisis has shown that the government can respond swiftly and decisively … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE Meat Board of Namibia will be closing its Windhoek head office from Monday to 26 August as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement released on Monday, the company said during this period the Meat Board ear tag, NamLITS helpdesk, producer registration and stock brands offices will be closed.

The classification services will however be unaffected and continue working as long as the export abattoirs are operational. The border personnel will continue operating and rendering border inspection services.

The finance division will prepare and do payments only on Fridays and the … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded 152 new Covid-19 cases, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Monday.

Windhoek reported the highest number with 73, Walvis Bay followed with 64, Swakopmund 9, Okahandja 2, Otjiwarongo 2, Nankudu 1, Outapi 1, Mariental 1.

Shangula said 28 of the Windhoek cases are from one suburb. He said the Windhoek cases are linked and increasing as 10 cases are from one household and four cases are health care workers.

“We are strengthening control measures in Windhoek as well as in all areas, to curb the further spread. These include increasing testing, increasing isolation and … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia on Sunday reported three more novel coronavirus-related deaths, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula has announced.

• 

This brings the country’s novel coronavirus-related death toll to 19.

Shangula said two of the deaths are of people in Windhoek, with the other that of an elderly woman at Walvis Bay.

The Walvis Bay death is that of an 84-year-old woman who was admitted at Walvis Bay State Hospital on 5 August with pre-existing chronic medical conditions. She died on Friday.

She had no Covid-19-related symptoms.

“The body was swabbed the next day. This is in line with … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

DUINESIG Combined School at Walvis Bay will be closed this week after a staff member tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“Learners and parents/guardians are therefore informed that the school will be closed for the week of 10-14 August 2020,” the school’s principal, Stanley Uri-Khob, announced in a letter on Sunday.

Uri-Khob said online learning would continue, but all other services provided by the school would be suspended for the week.

Furthermore, the school buildings will be disinfected on Monday.

Students in grades 11 and 12 are expected to resume classes on Monday next week (17 August).… Read More

The Covid-19 pandemic situation in Windhoek is becoming “increasingly worrisome”, with an exponential increase in recent infections, health minister Kalumbi Shangula has warned.

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The country has recorded 50 new Covid-19 cases and 65 recoveries, Shangula said on Saturday.

He said of the new confirmed cases, Windhoek recorded the highest number with 32, while Walvis Bay recorded 10, Swakopmund six and Otjiwarongo and Okakarara one each.

“The [health] ministry wishes to record that the situation in Windhoek is becoming increasingly worrisome, as the number of positive cases is growing exponentially. The public is once again urged and … Read More

NAMIBIA has recorded one new Covid-19-related death and 150 new infections, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Friday.

This brings the country’s total death toll to 16 and the cumulative confirmed cases to 2 802.

The latest Covid-19-related death is that of an 84-year-old woman who was admitted to a local hospital in Windhoek for a surgical condition.

The minister said she had multiple comorbidities and also presented with some Covid-19 symptoms.

The minister said Walvis Bay recorded 62 new cases, while Swakopmund recorded 40, Windhoek recorded 42 and Gobabis recorded two. Eenhana, Oshakati, Okahandja and Rehoboth each recorded one … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

Delays in coronavirus test results has caused an uproar among 36 people in isolation at Seeheim Hotel 45 kilometers south of Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region.

A source indicated the quarantined people on Thursday threatened to leave the quarantine facility in protest against having been kept there for more than the normal 14-day isolation period because of their pending test results.

The //Kharas police regional commander, commissioner David Indongo, confirmed that the people, frustrated by the long wait for their test results, threatened to leave the facility without being cleared by health officials.

“After the intervention of … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The Bank of Namibia reported a second novel coronavirus case on Thursday.

According to the bank’s strategic communications director, Emma Haiyambo, the case involves a staff member from the bank’s head office who was last at the office on Tuesday last week (28 July).

“As a result, the head office shall be disinfected on Friday, 7 August,” she said.

Haiyambo informed the public that the bank is still operational, and no disruptions are envisaged.

However, the bank’s public tellers will be open for business only until 13h00 on Friday.

“The bank remains dedicated to protecting the well-being … Read More

NAMIBIA has recorded another three deaths related to Covid-19, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Thursday.

Shangula said two people at Walvis Bay and one at Swakopmund died due to the novel coronavirus disease, bringing the country’s Covid-19 death toll to 15.

He added that Namibia has also recorded 112 newly confirmed coronavirus infections over the past day.

Forty-two of the new coronavirus cases were recorded at Walvis Bay, 36 at Swakopmund, 19 in Windhoek, nine at Oshakati, two in the Ohangwena region (Engela included), and one each at Rundu, Omuthiya, Okahao and in Kavango West.… Read More

by Ester Mbathera

A GROUP of disgruntled members of the public at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund plan to hold a demonstration against the extended travel ban on three towns in the Erongo region.

President Hage Geingob last week announced a further 31 days travel restriction to and from Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis in an effort to curb the further spread of the coronavirus.

According to the founding statement, Namibians United Against the Lockdown “the group was created to support any initiative against the new lockdown of the Erongo region, specifically or any other initiatives that have been launched or … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has reported a record 345 novel coronavirus recoveries yesterday.

This brings the total number of recoveries to 556.

According to minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula at the Covid-19 communication centre yesterday, Walvis Bay recorded 325 recoveries out of the total recoveries announced.

This is the highest number out of the eight towns that reported recoveries.

Oshakati and Mariental followed with six and five recoveries, respectively, while Windhoek had four recoveries.

Okakarara, Otjiwarongo, Oshikuku, Outapi and Keetmanshoop each recorded one recovery.

“Again, this is a result of the shift in the de-isolation policy,” Shangula … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The Bank of Namibia has reported its first Covid-19 case at its disaster recovery site.

As a result, the site will be closed off for disinfection. The bank’s head office will also be partially disinfected, the central bank’s strategic communications director, Emma Haiyambo, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The bank remains dedicated to protect the well-being of its staff members and the public is urged not to panic as all necessary measures have been put in place to adhere to health protocols established with regards to Covid-19,” she said.

Haiyambo said the bank is still operational … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the //Kharas region now stands at 35, while 13 people who had the novel coronavirus in the region have recovered.

//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said this while delivering her maiden state of the region address at Keetmanshoop on Wednesday.

Frederick said inter-regional and cross-district migrations of people are the main factors contributing to the spread and transmission of the novel coronavirus disease in the region.

She said the construction of a 12-bed isolation unit was completed at Keetmanshoop recently, and screening and testing facilities, each with four beds, are also … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

A Namibian Police officer based at Wanaheda Police Station in Windhoek has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The Namibian Police’s chief spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed this on Wednesday. She said the police station would not be closed unless that is advised by health experts.

She said the officer had already been in isolation before his coronavirus test result came back as positive on Tuesday.

“So far the colleagues who shared an office are in isolation and all heath Covid-19 measures are being implemented, including disinfecting of the premises,” Shikwambi said.

“The pandemic indeed affects … Read More

Namibia reports 70 new Covid-19 cases at Walvis Bay 30, Swakopmund 10, Windhoek 26, Otjiwarongo one, Okahandja one, and Keetmanshoop one.

According to the health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula, 13 of the cases in Windhoek have no known cases to confirmed cases, but they presented with symptoms consistent with Covid-19.

Katutura reported ten cases, which is of grave concern according to the minister. He said the patients all attended a church ceremony.

“It is likely that more people have been exposed and we are cautioning the people to call the hotline to be tested,” Shangula said.

Weddings, funerals … Read More

by Eliaser Ndeyanale

A POLICE officer based at the Wanaheda police station in Windhoek has tested positive for Covid-19.

Namibian Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed the case this morning. Shikwambi said the police station will not be closed unless otherwise advised by health officials.

“Yes, one of the officers’ results came back positive yesterday [Tuesday]. He was already in isolation.

“So far, the colleagues who shared an office are in isolation and all health measures are being implemented, including disinfectant of the premises. The pandemic indeed affects us all and thus we … Read More

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says the country has recorded 64 new coronavirus infections and 24 new recoveries.

Out of the new cases, Shangula said on Tuesday, 44 are from Walvis Bay, five from Swakopmund and 15 from Windhoek.

Thirty-four are men and 30 are women, and their ages range from six to 64 years.

Shangula said the ages of the 15 new cases reported from Windhoek range from 22 to 54 years, with nine women and six males.

Six of the people confirmed infected with the coronavirus in Windhoek had been in contact with previously confirmed … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has closed its offices in Windhoek until 11 August after a staff member tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

In a statement issued Tuesday, head of communications Katrina Sikeni said all employees who were direct contacts to the employee are currently in self-isolation and as a precautionary measure, the affected offices were temporarily closed for sanitation on Monday, 3 August.

“The entire Cran offices will be closed for physical contact business and all team members will work from home with immediate effect commencing Tuesday, 4 August,” she said.

Sikeni advised … Read More

by Taati Niienge

Face-to-face learning for Grade 11 and 12 pupils started at Walvis Bay on Monday, after they had to stay home for about four months.

There were mixed feelings from parents, teachers and pupils about the resumption of face-to-face classes, though.

Some teachers said they had no choice but to start teaching, although Walvis Bay has become Namibia’s novel coronavirus pandemic epicentre.

Teachers … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The Ministry of Finance on Monday announced the closure of its customs and excise office at Walvis Bay following possible exposure to a novel coronavirus case.

In a statement, finance ministry spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu said the office would be closed from 4 to 5 August as a precautionary measure.

“We are suspecting possible exposure to a confirmed Covid-19 case. A colleague’s spouse tested positive. The office will be disinfected on Tuesday or Wednesday,” he said.

Shidhudhu added that the ministry has introduced work shifts and its staff members on duty on Tuesday may not have come into … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia has recorded a twelfth death related to Covid-19, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Monday.

Shangula said a 49-year-old man who was in Windhoek Central Hospital for urgent surgery developed complications after undergoing an operation, and his coronavirus test results also came back positive. He added that the patient had a chronic condition, which was being ruled out as the cause of his death on Sunday, after his condition gradually deteriorated.

The country also recorded another 112 confirmed novel coronavirus infections on Monday, bringing Namibia’s confirmed cases to 2 406, with 2 207 active … Read More

By Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A DEVELOPMENT Bank of Namibia employee at Walvis Bay has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which has prompted the closure of that office.

The company in a statement on Monday said all staff members at the Walvis Bay branch are being tested and are in quarantine until further notice.

“The branch is closed until further notice and will be disinfected during that period,” Di-Anna Grobler, the spokesperson of the bank said.

According to Grobler, staff who are in quarantine will continue working from home in the meantime.

She said in the event of disruption of Walvis … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira

THE Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) will reopen its Katutura satellite office tomorrow after a five-month closure.

The fund will maintain Covid-19 regulations, it assured.

“The MVA Fund will reopen its Katutura satellite office on Monday, 3 August, after a five-month closure as a safety measure to stop the spread of Covid-19 during the first wave of the outbreak,” chief of corporate affairs Surihe Goamas-Guchu said in a statement on Friday.

Goamas-Guchu said the satellite office will be open Mondays to Fridays from 07h30 until 16h30, where the fund’s case coordinators, hospital case managers and rehabilitation case … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A third employee at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

This was confirmed by the public broadcaster’s director general Stanley Similo today.

“It is with a heavy heart that I need to announce that one of the staff members who went into self-isolation last Sunday, started having flu symptoms and went to see the doctor on Monday, and was treated and tested for Covid-19,” Similo said in a statement.
He said the employee’s results were released late Saturday night, saying the case does not pose any danger to the NBC and its … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia on Sunday recorded 70 new Covid-19 cases and 16 new recoveries.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula said the new cases are from the Erongo, Khomas, Ohangwena and //Kharas regions.

Walvis Bay reported the highest number of new cases at 43, followed by Swakopmund with 12, Windhoek with 13, Engela with one and Lüderitz with one.

“With the implementation of the new de-isolation protocol, we expect to see a radical increase in the number of recoveries,” Shangula said.

The country now has 2 294 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 187 recoveries and 11 deaths.… Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia has recorded its 11th Covid-19 death.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this evening announced a 53-year-old male with known chronic renal failure and multiple medical comorbidities was admitted to a private hospital at Swakopmund on 22 July.

He was tested on 21 July at Walvis Bay at the dialysis isolation unit.

He has been sick but stable, and suddenly experienced severe shortness of breath on 29 July, after which he died.

Shangula urged the public to practise extra precautionary measures around vulnerable groups and to adhere to regulations.

The country has recorded 95 new … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

Health update: Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced the country has recorded 77 new Covid-19 cases from 635 tests.

Of the new cases, 62 are from Walvis Bay, eight from Swakopmund, five from Windhoek, and two from Okahandja.

Shangula said 38 of the new cases are men and 39 women. Their ages range from one to 58 years.

Shangula said one Windhoek case is a 56-year-old woman with no known contact with a confirmed case.

She has been conducting meetings at work and has attended a funeral recently where residents from Walvis Bay may … Read More

President Hage Geingob is addressing the nation on new Covid-19 measures. He says 2 129 cases are confirmed in Namibia as of today, with ten deaths. He says the rate of cases in the country is rising, with Namibia being in the top five of Covid-19 cases in Africa.

Erongo region will remain in lockdown until the end of August, Geingob says

Twelve regions countrywide have confirmed cases, with the exception of Omaheke and Kavango West. Geingob says community transmissions of the virus is suspected in Khomas and //Kharas regions, and not only Erongo.

He says the government … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

PARENTS at Charles Anderson Primary School at Ongwediva in the Oshana region are demanding the immediate closure of the school after two pupils’ parents allegedly tested positive for Covid-19.

The affected parents are said to be nurses at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.

A concerned parent claims the two parents alerted the school immediately after testing positive, but the school management tried to hide the information while allowing the two affected pupils to continue going to school.

“We want to know how many children were in contact with these pupils … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula has announced that Windhoek reported its first Covid-19 related death on Thursday. The death is of a 41-year-old man and it brings the total Covid-19 deaths in the country to 10.

Meanwhile Namibia has recorded 66 new positive cases. Shangula said Walvis Bay reported 47, Windhoek 14, and Swakopmund five cases. Contact tracing has been initiated, Shangula said.

Most of the Windhoek cases have no travel history nor do they have known contacts with a positive cases. One of the Windhoek cases is a taxi driver.

Namibia on Thursday … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

President Hage Geingob has called on corporates and individuals to contribute towards Namibia’s Covid-19 fight on his 79th birthday instead of placing advertisements of congratulations in newspapers and publications.

Geingob turns 79 on Monday.

“In the form of Covid-19, we are faced with a deadly and invisible enemy. During this period, the health of Namibians remains the biggest priority,” the president said in a statement today.

He said the government alone cannot defeat the virus and needs everyone to fight its spread and help the vulnerable.

The president thanked corporates and individuals who have so far contributed … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE country director for the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Namibia, Eric Dziuban, says the spike in Covid-19 cases will most likely push up the death toll.

This could lead to deaths reported in Windhoek within a month, as seen at the coast.

The country’s Covid-19-related death toll currently stands at nine, after the minister of health and social services, Kalumbi Shangula, announced a new death at Walvis Bay, involving a 44-year-old woman.

In the past two weeks Windhoek has been seeing a spike in coronavirus cases, with most … Read More

MINISTER of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday afternoon announced a new Covid-19 related death involving a 44-year-old woman from Walvis Bay. This brings the total death toll to nine.

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 69 new Covid-19 cases from 527 samples tested in the past 24 hours.

Walvis Bay has the bulk of the cases at 57, Swakopmund has one, Usakos one, Windhoek eight, Engela one and Mariental one.

Namibia has a total of 1 986 positive cases, 1 873 of which are active cases.

According to the minster, 38 of the cases … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula yesterday said new Covid-19 cases reported over the past few weeks mean that people are becoming infected in their localities during their everyday activities.

The country recorded 74 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, which brings the total cases to 1 917 with eight deaths and 104 recoveries.

Shangula said 56 of the new infections were recorded at Walvis Bay, three at Swakopmund, four each in Windhoek and at Rosh Pinah, two each at Oshakati and Rundu and one each at Okahandja, Omaruru and Onandjokwe.

Fifty-four of the new … Read More

by Werner Menges

THE Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in Katutura, the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court and the traffic court in Windhoek will be closed for two weeks after people working at the courts or who had visited the premises were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

The courts were closed yesterday after a judicial officer at the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court, a public prosecutor stationed at the court in Katutura, and an accused person who appeared in the traffic court, where he was in contact with court officials, tested positive for the coronavirus, … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this afternoon said Namibia has recorded 74 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours.

Shangula said 56 of the new infections were recorded at Walvis Bay, three at Swakopmund, four in Windhoek and at Rosh Pinah, respectively, two at Oshakati and Rundu, respectively, and one each at Okahandja, Omaruru and Onandjokwe.

Fifty-four of the newly infected people are men, while 20 are women. Their ages range from 15 to 77.

Shangula also announced that another three people previously diagnosed with the novel coronavirus have recovered, bringing Namibia’s total number of recoveries … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Windhoek City Police headquarters will be closed for two days for disinfection after an employee tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

City police chief Abraham Kanime confirmed the closure, but could not reveal which department or how many people are affected by the case.

He said all health protocols are in place to better deal with the situation and affected parties.

“We were prepared for such incidents and made sure all protocols were followed. The headquarters will be reopened tomorrow after all … Read More

by Tuyeimo Haidula

ONE of the University of Namibia’s staff members at its main campus tested positive for Covid-19.

Unam’s vice chancellor, Kenneth Matengu, announced today in an internal memo that the last time the staff member was present on campus was on 14 July.

Matengu said the individual is in a stable condition at an isolation facility.

“According to him, the staff member started feeling unwell on 18 July while at home. He got tested on 21 July and was confirmed positive on 22 July. He has been in isolation … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

THE //Kharas Regional Council offices including those of the education directorate in Keetmanshoop were temporarily closed as of Monday.

The council’s chairperson, Jan Scholtz, said on Monday the decision came after one of the council employees’ spouse tested positive for coronavirus last Friday.

The affected staff member was immediately put under quarantine, said Scholtz.

“Since the staff member was at work on Friday, the entire council offices will be disinfected, thus affecting normal contact service delivery,” he said.

According to Scholtz, normal services at the office will resume on Friday.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A BANK Windhoek staff member at the main branch in Windhoek has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which has resulted in the branch being closed.

The bank also closed its Auas Valley and Ashirwad agencies because they are served from the main branch.

The offices were closed over the weekend and were disinfected and as a precautionary measure. All workers were sent home to self-isolate until further notice.

According to a statement from the bank on Monday, the branch will reopen on Wednesday, 29 July 2020.

“Our … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH UPDATE … Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia on Monday recorded 68 new coronavirus infections and 26 recoveries of people who had been diagnosed with the virus. The new infections are from the Erongo, Khomas and //Kharas regions.

The minister says Walvis Bay has 60 new cases, Windhoek six and Swakopmund and Keetmanshoop one each. According to Shangula, the ages of the 68 people who have now tested positive for the virus range from six to 68 years old.

All of the Windhoek cases have no travel history and have not been in a quarantine facility, … Read More

By Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A Namibian Broadcasting Corporation staff member from the newsroom in the broadcaster’s Windhoek headquarters has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

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The staff member is one of 88 new coronavirus infections announced by health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Sunday.

NBC director general Stanley Similo made the announcement in a statement on Sunday afternoon. He said some parts of the NBC headquarters in Windhoek would be closed immediately.

“The NBC news offices have already been disinfected today and given the decontamination and sanitation treatment certificate to confirm that the building was fumigated as prescribed by the health regulations,” … Read More

By Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded one new Covid-19 related death at Walvis Bay, bringing the total death toll to eight.

This is according to the health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula who announced 88 new Covid-19 cases. This brings the total confirmed cases to 1 775.

The country also reported three new recoveries, bringing the total to number of recoveries to 75.

The cases are from are Erongo, Khomas, Kharas, and Hardap.

Walvis bay had the most cases with 62, followed by Swakopmund with 19, Windhoek 5, Keetmanshoop 1, and Mariental 1.

According to Shangula, 59 are males … Read More

Namibia has recorded 69 new coronavirus infections out of 786 test results received over the past hours. The regions where new cases were recorded are Erongo, Khomas, //Kharas, Oshana, Oshikoto, Kunene and Zambezi.

In a statement on Saturday health minister Kalumbi Shangula said 36 of the newly infected people are men and 33 are women. The youngest patient is seven months old and the oldest 58 years old.

Walvis Bay reported 50 new infections, Swakopmund five, Windhoek five, Keetmanshoop three, Oshakati two, and Onandjokwe, Opuwo and Katima Mulilo one each.… Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

THE Oshana education directorate has been allocated more than N$59,5 million by the ministry of basic education to upgrade and renovate school infrastructure as part of efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The directorate intends to set aside about N$15,7 million for the renovation and construction of ablution facilities, while N$43,7 million has been set aside for the renovation and construction of hostels in the region.

Hilma Nuunyango-George, the acting deputy director of the Oshana education directorate, said this at Oshakati on Thursday during a briefing of the regional leadership on capital … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH UPDATE … Namibia has recorded 96 new coronavirus infections, and the recovery of three people who had been infected with the virus.

The newly recorded cases are from Erongo, Khomas, //Kharas, Ohangwena, Otjozondjupa and Omusati. According to minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula, 75 of the new cases were recorded at Walvis Bay, four at Swakopmund, 10 in Windhoek, two at Keetmanshoop, two at Engela, one at Okakarara, one at Otjiwarongo and one at Oshikuku.

“Sixty-seven are males and 29 are females. Ages range from six to 64 years old. Contact tracing has been … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

THE Erongo region emergency operation centre has put together a regional Covid-19 management plan, which it presented to a visiting task team at Walvis Bay on Wednesday.

The plan was proposed to address the current situation in the region, as the framework to deal with the Covid-19 crisis was found to be inadequate.

Lieutenant colonel Aktofel Kwedhi, operations officer at the Erongo region emergency operations centre, said the current management plan failed because resources deployed to manage the novel coronavirus outbreak have been overwhelmed by the increasing number of cases.

This has left communities, especially at Walvis … Read More

Namibia has recorded 120 new coronavirus infections.

The new cases are distributed across five towns, with Walvis Bay recording the highest number of new infections, 106 cases, Swakopmund five cases, Windhoek seven cases, and Keetmanshoop and Katima Mulilo one case each.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula said all cases recorded today are Namibians – 86 being male and 34 female. They are all in a stable condition and contact tracing has been initiated, Shangula said.

All of the Windhoek cases come from different suburbs: Ludwigsdorf, Auasblick, Otjomuise, Khomasdal, Cimbebasia, Goreangab and Havana.

Only one case from Windhoek has been in quarantine, … Read More

by Adam Hartman

AT least 100 patients may have been exposed to a confirmed coronavirus case, a health worker at the ARV clinic at Swakopmund said.

The clinic was closed on Monday after the health worker was confirmed Covid-19 positive, resulting in the 11 other staff members being quarantined.

A nurse, who declined to be identified, informed The Namibian on Monday that the other staff, which includes five nurses, four health assistants and two cleaners, were also tested.

Most of the staff are quarantined at the Swakopmund bungalows, while some, who do not live alone, are self-quarantined at … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE high level delegation that went to assess the Covid-19 situation at Walvis Bay and the Erongo region at large will be subjected to mandatory quarantine upon their return to Windhoek.

The delegation left for Walvis Bay on Wednesday, with the aim to visit various places to assess the situation at the town and the region at large, which has become the epicenter of the novel coronavirus.

Information minister Peya … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

Erongo governor Neville Andre has announced that people who died of Covid-19 at Walvis Bay will now be buried in existing graveyards at the town.

This comes after consultations between the Covid-19 burial committee and some Walvis Bay residents who were opposing burials at a site that had been chosen at the town’s Narraville area.

The families of people who died of Covid-19 at Walvis Bay are now free to indicate where they want to bury their family members.

The announcement by André was made at a meeting between stakeholders and a delegation that arrived in Walvis … Read More

by Lugeretzia Cooper

MAVULUMA Adventist Primary Private School at Katima Mulilo has temporarily cancelled face-to-face teaching due to possible contact between a pupil and a nurse who recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The acting regional education director in Zambezi, Joseph Kawana, confirmed the temporary closure of the school to The Namibian.

The school informed parents of its pupils on Tuesday that the school will be closed for 14 days from 22 July to 4 August.

“The school is in a critical situation, as there is … Read More

NAMIBIA has recorded 36 new Covid-19 cases, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Wednesday afternoon.

He added that all the new cases are Namibians and 28 are from Walvis Bay, four from Swakopmund, three from Windhoek and one from Lüderitz.

The youngest case is a 20-day-old baby and the oldest is 54 years old.

According to the minister, contact tracing is ongoing. He said there are 12 patients at Walvis Bay who are critically ill and in need of oxygen.

“On the bright side, we have recorded seven new recoveries,” he … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

THE Lüderitz Town council has stepped up efforts in readiness to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

The council is currently reactivating its screening point at the entrance of the town as some of the stringent measures to ensure better case tracing and control of residents.

According to Lüderitz mayor, Brigitte Frederick, residents who enter and leave the town will be screened and registered, in order to curb possible local transmission of Covid-19.

“We already started preparing in March. A screening point was put up at the town entrance. It was later moved to Aus, but we are currently … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

The Erongo Regional Council’s head office at Swakopmund and constituency offices at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to a possible coronavirus contamination.

Chief regional officer Habatte Doeses confirmed the closure of the offices, saying it is being done to have the premises disinfected while waiting for a further directive from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

In a letter to Juuso Kambweshe, chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Doeses said a staff member of the council’s head office came into contact with a person who tested positive for the … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has given the go-ahead for the preparation of a 130-bed Covid-19 isolation facility at Walvis Bay State Hospital.

The project is spearheaded by the Erongo Region Covid Care (ERCC) team that was driving the construction of a 150-bed containerised facility that never took off.

Anton Pretorius, a member of the ERCC task committee, in an interview with The Namibian said the team is now converting garages and two general wards at the state hospital into high-oxygen Covid-19 isolation wards.

“We need to prepare for the worst case. The first phase … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

People being quarantined at Henties Bay due to the novel coronavirus outbreak claim the treatment from health officials at the quarantine facilities is substandard and they are being kept in quarantine for longer than necessary.

Some of the people quarantined at Henties Bay threatened to leave the quarantine facilities on Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officers and some officials from the health and social services ministry, including the Erongo Health directorate chief principal officer Dr Amir Shaker, had to intervene, requesting the group not to … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A Bank Windhoek employee at Walvis Bay has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the bank announced on Tuesday.

This comes after the employee came into contact with a Covid-19 case at the coastal town, which led to the bank closing its Walvis Bay branch on Thursday last week.

As a precautionary measure, the branch will be disinfected and will reopen on Monday next week (27 July), the bank’s executive officer of retail banking services, Chris Matthee, said in a statement.

Since the start of the lockdown period Bank Windhoek’s Walvis Bay branch has been operating at … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

The health ministry has temporarily closed the Lüderitz clinic after a health worker tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

!Nami≠Nüs constituency regional councillor Jan Scholtz made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday, and said staff members at the clinic as well as identified contacts have been placed under quarantine.

He said the local hospital for now only attends to emergency cases until operations at the clinic resume, and added most health services such as immunisations, family planning and antenatal care have been suspended temporarily until the clinic reopens.

Scholtz advised residents with chronic … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH UPDATE… Namibia has recorded 22 new Covid-19 positive cases and three new coronavirus related deaths, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Tuesday.

Shangula said all are Namibians and 16 are from Walvis Bay, five from Swakopmund and one from Windhoek. The minister said 17 are male and the rest are female. The Windhoek case is a woman who was referred from Walvis Bay.

He said the case announced yesterday from Katima Mulilo is a healthcare worker at a local clinic.

So far, Namibia has seen 15 recoveries, a new record of recoveries according … Read More

by Ester Mbathera and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA’s fourth Covid-19 fatality was in hospital while his family was in isolation at home at Walvis Bay.

The 55-year-old man tested positive for the novel coronavirus towards the end of June.

Some of his family members have been in self-isolation at home because of a lack of facilities in the Erongo region.

The deceased’s employer, who wants to remain anonymous at this stage, says he feels helpless and does not know how to assist the family at home.

“The whole family is in isolation. There is little we can do, because we can … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in the Erongo region reopened on Monday, after it had been disinfected against the novel coronavirus.

The offices were temporarily shut following possible Covid-19 exposure when staff members came into contact with suspected Covid-19 cases at Walvis Bay.

The ministry’s spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa said the Kuisebmond sub-regional office, the Walvis Bay harbour and airport offices and the Swakopmund offices reopened on Monday.

“The offices have been disinfected. In order to protect the well-being of staff and the public, the ministry will continue adhering to Covid-19 … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Walvis Bay’s Welwitschia Hospital says it remains committed to the fight against the novel coronavirus after one of its patients died of Covid-19 on Monday.

The patient, a 55-year-old man, became the fourth person recorded to have died of Covid-19 in Namibia, as announced by health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula on Monday.

Welwitschia Hospital manager Matthias Braune said in a statement on Monday that during the last two weeks the hospital looked after a few Covid-19 patients who were, and are, extremely sick and required ventilation or oxygen therapy.

“This morning, sadly, one of our … Read More

…  as Nam reports fourth Covid-19 death

NAMIBIA has recorded 97 new Covid-19 cases, including a fourth death, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Monday.

Of these cases, three are healthcare workers from Walvis Bay.

He said 90 of the cases are from Walvis Bay, three from Swakopmund, two from Engela, one from Outapi and one from Katima Mulilo. The cases in Engela came in contact with a prior confirmed case at the town.

The minister said 81 are males and the rest are female. “The oldest is 66 years. Contact tracing is ongoing,” Shangula said.

He … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

THE Erongo police have urged the public to avoid attending and hosting large gatherings at Arandis, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Gatherings here are restricted to a maximum of 10 people.

Ileni Shapumba, community affairs commander for the Erongo region, says the public is exposing themselves to Covid-19 by attending such gatherings.

“During the state of emergency no demonstrations are allowed in these three restricted areas, but we have seen people running around calling people to demonstrate. This should cease in accordance with the law and to protect people from the virus,” Shapumba says.

Of great concern are … Read More

The country has recorded its third Covid-19 death.

This was announced by the minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this evening.

“A 45-year-old man passed on at home and his body was brought to the mortuary on 13 July by the police. He was known to be on chronic medication. According to the information provided by relatives he was tested on 15 July and the result came back positive on 18 July. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” he said.

Namibia has recorded 44 new Covid-19 cases. Shangula said six involve non-Namibians on a … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

WALVIS Bay residents have found an innovative way of worshiping together amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents drove to the town’s waterfront area on Sunday morning, for the first drive-in church service for the town.

The service was organized by the Walvis Bay Community church, which usually has two Sunday services in Afrikaans and English.

The services were suspended due to the lockdown about four months ago, leaving families to pray at home.

“We just decided to do something different. We cannot cope with this lockdown. Everyone wants to get together for prayer. There is power in togetherness. … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

ERONGO governor Neville Andre called a meeting with representatives from the Narraville on Saturday community to deliberate on the burial site for people who die from Covid-19.

Addressing the community, the governor apologised for the way proceedings had been handled. 

“We did things in line with the WHO rules and I understand that it is strange to all of us. We have a burial committee and we were supposed to consult with the community. I accept the blame personally and apologise. This is a first experience for all of us, and I hope we will learn together … Read More

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Saturday afternoon the country has recorded 125 new Covid-19 cases.

The minister said of these two are South African truck drivers and the rest are Namibians.

He added that one case is from Windhoek, two from Swakopmund, two are truck drivers from Keetmanshoop, one from Lüderitz, one from Engela, and 118 from Walvis Bay.

“The one in Windhoek is an in-patient at the local hospital. Those who were tested in Keetmanshoop are South African truck drivers. One delivered cargo at Rossing in Arandis. He was tested on his way back and has already gone … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE ministry of education, arts and culture has announced the reopening of schools and face-to-face learning for Grade 11 and 12 pupils at Arandis, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay on Monday.

Executive director of education, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, said in a statement on Friday the return of pupils to school is voluntary.

In the event where a school records a confirmed case of Covid-19, the education ministry together with the health ministry will assess the situation before taking appropriate action.

“In addition, the ministry has developed compliance standards for the operation of schools, and schools that … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

Some residents of Narraville spent the night at the burial site where a Covid-19 victim was buried. They are determined to stop the burial of the second victim.

The say they will block the area when the burial continues today.

“We are concerned about our health and the inhumane way these people are buried. Everybody deserves a proper burial. Look at this place. It looks like a dumpsite,” they say.

Residents say they never agreed to the site being used for Covid-19 deaths.
They will make sure the deceased’s remains are moved to a proper site, away … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

Disgruntled Narraville residents flocked to the second Covid-19 burial at Walvis Bay this evening.

Health oficials and security forces eventually had to turn around with the body as residents were blocking the entrance to the site.

The group has expressed their dissatisfactionwith the site being used as a Covid-19 graveyard, as well as the burial method.

Erongo regional governor Neville Andre urged residents to remain calm.

“Please do not panic. We are determined to look after the health of Walvis Bay residents. We are humbly asking residents to allow us to bury the body. That place was … Read More

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this evening said the country has recorded 46 new Covid-19 cases of whom 45 are Namibians and one is a Malawian truck driver residing in South Africa.

Shangula said three cases are from Windhoek, two from Swakopmund, one from Keetmanshoop and 40 from Walvis Bay.

The Windhoek cases involve two students and a truck driver. The students arrived in the country on 10 July and were tested on the same day. They are quarantined.

The Namibian truck driver went to South Africa on 27 June and came back on 1 July through … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

THE site where the first person to succumb to Covid-19 in Namibia is buried is an approved cemetery that is part of the Narraville Extension 8 layout.

This was said by Walvis Bay municipality communications manager Kevin Adams who said approval for the site to be a cemetery was granted even before the Covid-19 breakout, and public consultation was undertaken by the municipalities’ town planning officials.

The layout was presented to the public at a meeting held at Narraville in July 2014, according to Adams who was responding to the concerns of the residents on why people … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE Namibia Institute of Pathology says they have moved from a backlog in Covid-19 test results of around 5 000 to nearly 2 200.

Acting chief operations officer at the institute, Boniface Makumbi, says the delay is due to the spike in cases in the Erongo region – particularly at Walvis Bay.

Makumbi was speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre this morning.

“When that spike came, it exceeded our capacity to test. When we started testing, we were doing below 50 tests per day, we moved to 90, then 200, and this was before Erongo and Walvis … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

SCHOOLS at Karasburg in the //Kharas region have closed today after a local teacher tested positive for Covid-19.

The regional education director , /Awebahe //Hoeseb, confirmed classes were suspended at all local schools.

This on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, to which the executive director of education, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, concurred, //Hoeseb said.

//Hoeseb said teachers will return to schools on 31 July, while pupils will resume classes on 3 August.… Read More

Health update: Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this afternoon said the country has recorded 72 new Covid-19 cases. Namibia has now passed the 1 000 mark. Shangula said one of the confirmed cases is from Windhoek, two from Katima Mulilo, two from Swakopmund and 68 from Walvis Bay.

The case in Windhoek was admitted to a local hospital, while the case at Katima Mulilo travelled from Walvis Bay.

He said 39 of the new cases involve males and 33 females. The youngest new case is nine months old, and the oldest is a 62-year-old. The country now … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

A SECOND foreign specialist fisherman on board one of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME) vessels tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The person is part of the specialist crew that arrived in the country on a chartered flight from Frankfurt last Friday, as part of a horse mackerel fishing team.

Six Namibians were on the same flight with the fishing crew. A Namibian studying in Russia who was on the same flight, also tested positive for the virus on Monday.

EME managing director … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

A NUMBER of people in mandatory quarantine facilities in the Oshana region are threatening to escape from the facilities, citing a lack of cooperation of health authorities.

They say authorities have extended their quarantine periods from the initial mandatory 14 days to more than 21 days – sometimes without any tests conducted, while laboratory test results are delayed.

Even though many people are kept in relatively comfortable quarantine facilities around Oshakati and Ongwediva, some are complaining of a lack … Read More

The country has recorded 96 new Covid-19 cases. This brings the total number of cases to 960.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this afternoon said among the confirmed cases is one South African. He said two cases are from Karasburg, two from Keetmanshoop, one from Windhoek and the rest from Walvis Bay.

Shangula said 51 are males and 45 females. The youngest is a four-year-old and the oldest is 50.

The country has also registered two more recoveries – cases number 33 and 186. This brings the total number of recoveries to 31.

Two deaths have been recorded. A total of … Read More

by Ester Mbathera and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A SECOND Covid19 death in less than a week has exposed limitations in the way the country is handling the pandemic.

Critics have accused the government of mishandling the pandemic in Erongo region, which is now the epicentre of the virus.

The second death has also shown that doctors and nurses, particularly at Walvis Bay, are overwhelmed with the number of cases as state facilities have been stretched to the limit.

Announcing the death yesterday, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said the deceased had diabetes before the Covid-19 diagnosis.

He visited the state hospital on … Read More

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded a second Covid-19 death and three new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours.

According to the minister, all three new cases are Namibians from Walvis Bay. Two are male and one female. The youngest is 21 years old and the oldest 44.

The case which passed away was a 44-year-old male and had diabetes. He died on 11 July at home.
He was tested for Covid-19 and the result came back positive yesterday.

Shangula said Namibia now has 864 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 29 recoveries and 833 … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

ONE of the foreign fishing crew members on one of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME) vessels, who is part of the group that landed in Namibia on Friday, 10 July, tested positive for Covid-19.

EME managing director Martha Uumati confirmed that the ministry of health had informed her about the test result this morning.

“The person remains asymptomatic and in a healthy condition and is currently being kept in isolation in a separate cabin on the affected vessel. This is currently … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE mining sector has lost about 285 jobs as a result of the Covid-19 imposed lockdown and state of the emergency regulations.

According to the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) general secretary Ebben Zarondo, the job losses are from 15 March to date and were recorde at 17 companies in the mining industry.

Namib Lead and Zinc had the highest job losses at 71, followed by D.Y.S Manufacturers with 52 and Lewcor and Kaokoland Mining with 25 and 24 respectively.

Some losses have been blamed on Covid-19 retrenchments, while others are because the mines had to close. … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

THE Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) faces reduced funding contributions from its international sources as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The EIF mobilised funding, mostly from international institutions, as our domestic sources of funding are not expanded yet,” minister of environment Pohamba Shifeta said last week.

He was responding to questions from the media after the inauguration of the fund’s new board of directors.

Shifeta said the countries which usually contribute funds to the institution are also struggling with their economies due to Covid-19, thus directing their attention towards their own domestic organisations.

“There is … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Ester Mbathera

PANIC has gripped the country following the announcement of the first Covid-19-related death at Walvis Bay over the weekend.

The country also continues to record a high number of positive cases at the coastal town, raising fears the disease’s community spread could be wider than anticipated.

On top of this, rumours circulated that the deceased did not die of the virus, adding to confusion.

On Friday, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced Namibia’s first Covid-19-related death at Walvis Bay, involving a 45-year-old man who presented to the Walvis Bay State Hospital … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this afternoon said the country has recorded 76 new Covid-19 cases. Of these 75 are Namibians and one is a foreigner. Namibia now has 861 Covid-19 cases, 28 recoveries and one death.

The minister said 73 are from Walvis Bay, two from Windhoek, and one from Keetmanshoop. He said 41 are male and 24 female.

The youngest case is three years old and the oldest is 49. All are clinically stable and contact tracing is ongoing.

Shangula said the Keetmanshoop case involves a male Zimbabwean national, who lives in South … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Erongo region, which is the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak, needs more quarantine and isolation facilities to deal with the increasing numbers of confirmed cases and their contacts.

The region is also in need of human resources to deal with contact tracing as confirmed cases might have come in contact with 20 to 30 people.

The region’s health director Anna Jonas who said the bulk of the confirmed Covid-19 cases are from the region, revealed this at the Covid-19 communication centre virtually on Sunday.

The confirmed cases in the Erongo region … Read More

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded 72 new positive cases of Covid-19, bringing the total confirmed cases to 785.

According to the minister, 71 are Namibians and one is a South African national.

From the new reported cases, 68 are from Walvis Bay, one is from Swakopmund, one at Oshakati, one at Keetmanshoop and one at Engela.

Shangula added that 41 of the cases are males and 31 females, with the youngest being 1 years old and the oldest is 58 years old.

“They are all clinically stable and contact tracing ongoing,” the minister … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A COVID-19 scare at the Namibia University of Science and Technology campus in Windhoek has resulted in the institution suspending face-to-face classes.

The development has affected one of Nust’s faculties, which the university declined to name to quell panic after a student came into contact with a person who had contact with a Covid-19 patient.

According to the university’s acting vice chancellor, Andrew Niikondo, the move is a cautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of all students and staff.

The student is currently in … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has reported its first Covid-19 death, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Friday afternoon.

According to the minister, the patient, a 45-year-old man from Walvis Bay, complained of respiratory ailment and showed signs of severe renal failure and sepsis.

On 8 July 2020, the patient’s condition worsened, he became restless and he hyperventilated and died on the same day.

“On 10th July 2020, the results indicated that the patient was Covid-19 positive. He therefore died as a result of Covid-19. Namibia has gone 116 days without registering a single death case. Today I have the unenviable … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Some of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s offices in the Erongo region have been closed, following possible Covid-19 exposure.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa, the closure is a precautionary measure, after staff members came into contact with suspected Covid-19 cases at Walvis Bay.

As result, the ministry temporarily closed its Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay harbour and airport, and Swakopmund offices.

“This is to allow for the office premises to be disinfected. All staff members have been placed in self-quarantine,” Kadhikwa said.

He noted that the closure is currently indefinite as the primary … Read More

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded 22 new Covid-19 positive cases in the past 24-hours. All the new cases are Namibians with the exception of one.

According to the minister, 20 are from Walvis Bay, one from Oshana region, and the other one is from Lüderitz in //Kharas region.

The youngest case is two years and the oldest is 60 years old.

All the new cases are in stable condition and contact tracing is ongoing.

Namibia now has 615 confirmed cases, with 25 recoveries and 590 active cases.… Read More

by Sakeus Iikela

The Electoral Commission of Namibia might have trouble maintaining physical distancing of people during the counting and verification of votes in the upcoming regional and local authority elections scheduled for November this year.

The ECN’s chief electoral officer, Theo Mujoro, says this is one of the challenges the commission faces in its attempt to organise the upcoming elections under the unfamiliar circumstances of a pandemic.

“The counting and verification of votes requires that other people would want to see what you are doing. I think that is one of the things that we will have … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

The Social Security Commission has paid out N$22,1 million to people who lost their employment as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

These funds form part of the commission’s national employment and salary protection scheme.

Labour minister Utoni Nujoma said in the National Assembly on Wednesday the money was paid out in respect of 5 483 out of 6 300 applications from unemployed workers.

“This process continues,” Nujoma said, noting that the protection scheme ends on 31 July.

He said to date, the SSC has received a total of 2 200 applications from employers for cash … Read More

by Sakeus Iikela

The Electoral Commission of Namibia will arrange special voting for Covid-19 patients for the upcoming regional and local authority elections.

This will be informed by the number of people who will be in hospitals, isolation and quarantine facilities during the period determined for the conduct of the elections.

ECN’s chief electoral officer Theo Mujoro said the commission will put together teams that will be sent to various quarantine facilities to register and facilitie the voting process for these people. Mujoro said the commission will work hand in hand with the health ministry to conduct this process.

Any … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE baby who initially tested positive for Covid-19 after contamination from the mother has come out negative.

• 

This was announced this morning by health minister Kalumbi Shangula as part of the daily health update.

Shangula said the baby, who is case 362, was reported on 3 July as positive.

“He was born by the mother who was recently diagnosed with Covid-19, case 296. The baby was tested too early,  five hours after delivery,” he said.

The minister said as per international standards, the baby was retested again after 24 hours and then after 72 hours after delivery. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Zimbabwean health minister Obediah Moyo, who has been implicated in alleged corruption with the purchase of Covid-19 tests involving a company registered in Namibia, has been dismissed.

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa sent his beleaguered health minister packing for conduct inappropriate with his duties in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement was signed by Zimbabwe’s chief secretary to the president and cabinet, Mischeck Sibanda.

Moyo handpicked a Namibian-registered company, Jaji Investments, owned by medical doctor Prince Mushininga, who is working in Namibia and closely linked to Mnangagwa, to supply rapid Covid-19 test kits from … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

The Fisheries Observer Agency office at Walvis Bay was closed on Tuesday afternoon after an employee tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The employee was taken into state isolation while two others are in self-quarantine.

The agency’s chief executive officer, Stanley Ndara, confirmed the closure. He said the employee who tested positive for the virus visited the agency’s operations and administration departments on 25 June, and considering that the employee had contact and interaction with other staff members the associated risk of the virus spreading was “very likely”.

Ndara added that the departments would be decontaminated on … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

ERONGO police regional commander commissioner Andreas Nelumbu says a number of security force members are in mandatory quarantine while others are in self-quarantine after coming into contact with members of the community who tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Walvis Bay.

In an interview with The Namibian on Tuesday, Nelumbu could not give the exact number but says the security force members are part of the community where they live with their families and have to be removed should they be identified as possible coronavirus contacts, to contain the further spread of the virus.… Read More

by Sakeus Iikela

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says coronavirus test kits imported and donated from China were not contaminated as is being alleged by some members of the public.

Shangula said the test kits meet worldwide standards and produce authentic results.

He was responding to questions posed by UPM parliamentarian Jan van Wyk in the National Assembly on Tuesday.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

FNB NAMIBIA has temporarily shut down its Klein Windhoek branch after one of its employees came in contact with a Covid-19 positive case.

The branch will be closed down for one week, beginning 6 until 13 July, as a precaution to protect staff and customers from possible infection.

“An FNB Namibia employee, who was contact-traced by the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ task force after suspected contact two weeks ago with a since-diagnosed Covid-19 case, will receive testing and the branch has been closed to undergo strict sanitisation,” … Read More

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula says there are 54 new positive Covid-19 cases. All cases are from Walvis Bay.

This brings the total cases to 539, with 25 recoveries and 514 active cases.

The minister said from the new cases, 35 are females and 19 are males, with the youngest being five years old and the oldest is 60-years old.

“They are all in stable condition and contact tracing is ongoing to establish the source of infection,” the minister said.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue 

The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it is still discussing the question whether healthcare workers dealing with Covid-19 should be paid a risk allowance.

Speaking at a briefing at State House in Windhoek on Namibia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday, the health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, said the issue of paying risk allowances to health workers dealing with Covid-19 was raised with the health ministry and it has discussed it with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commission (PSC), which is responsible for human resources in the public … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

THE Namibia Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has announced a temporary lockdown of its head office in Windhoek for seven days after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.

This was announced in an internal memo sent to staff on Monday by managing director Immanuel Mulunga, who also confirmed the lockdown to The Namibian.

“One of our employees tested positive with the coronavirus on Friday, 3 July 2020. The employees in question, along with about three colleagues who he closely interacted with, are currently under quarantine,” … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob on Monday announced plans to temporarily relocate residents of informal settlements at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis to unallocated mass houses in the coastal towns.

Speaking at the Covid-19 response for Erongo region at State House on Monday afternoon, the president said this is in an effort to decongest informal settlements of those towns, as the spread of Covid-19 has risen sharply there in recent weeks.

“The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, together with the regional … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob this afternoon said Namibia’s 13 regions will remain in the current stage 4 of the Covid-19 state of emergency, while Erongo remains in stage 3.

The president made this announcement during a media briefing at State House on Monday afternoon, in which he indicated that 90% of the Covid-19 positive cases are from Walvis Bay.

He added that while Namibia’s new cases are increasing at a fast pace due to the spread in Walvis Bay, there is no evidence at the moment of transmission of … Read More

CHARMAINE NGATJIHEUE and ESTER MBATHERA

A WALVIS BAY mother who passed the contagious novel coronavirus on to her newborn child is now hoping for the best for both of them as the country grapples with a spiking number of cases.

Her pain is much the agony of the multitudes of Covid-19 stricken victims in the Erongo region, which has now become the epicentre of the virus in Namibia.

This comes after minister of health Kalumbi Shangula announced another set of bad news yesterday, showing a challenging scenario at the coastal town.

Yesterday, the minister announced 38 new infections, 37 of … Read More

The country has recorded 73 new confirmed Covid-19 cases. All of them are Namibians, with one from Windhoek and the rest from Walvis Bay.

This was announced by health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning.

The confirmed case from Windhoek is a 44-year-old man who has a history of travelling from Walvis Bay. He has been in quarantine since 27 June.

The minister said 37 of the confirmed cases are female while 36 are male. The youngest is five years old and the oldest is 55 years old.

Shangula added that they are all in … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded 38 new Covid-19 positive cases, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Sunday.

In a statement, the minister said the new cases are all are Namibians.

“One case is from Engela, in Ohangwena region and the rest are from Walvis Bay,” the minister said.

He added that the Engela case is a 25-year-old woman who travelled from Walvis Bay on17 June 2020. She was put in quarantine on 25 June 2020.

“A specimen was taken from her on 26 June 2020,” the minister added.

Of the new cases, 22 are females and 16 male with … Read More

by Clemans Miyanicwe

Secretary general of the United Democratic Front Women’s League (UDFWL) Dorcas Shikongo says parents should not be at liberty to send their children to school amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I believe the government is keeping parents hostage psychologically when expecting them to decide whether to send their kids to school or not. Let it be categorically clear that parents can’t be at liberty to risk the precious lives of the future generations,” Shikongo says.

She says no parent feels like homeschooling amid the pandemic and many have no or inadequate resources … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

The Namibian Defence Force yesterday handed the new military field hospital over to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) at the Walvis Bay District Hospital.

The facility was built in anticipation of a growing number of Covid-19 cases in the Erongo region.

The 18-bed field hospital was constructed at the same site the failed 150-bed containerised Covid-19 hospital was to be built by the private sector in April.

Erongo regional health director Anna Jonas received the field hospital on behalf of the health ministry.

“We have increasing cases daily, and this will just augment what … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

THREE community trusts at Walvis Bay have decided to meet the government halfway by distributing food to the needy.

The Topnaar Community Foundation Trust, Topnaar Concession Trust and Kuiseb Delta Development Trust handed over food hampers to over 200 households and individuals in the Topnaar community on Wednesday.

“We decided to help the government in this Covid-19 fight. Attempts are already being made by the … Read More

IN NAMIBIA WE went into lockdown with very few Covid-19 cases, thinking it would be quick and we would be back in business in no time.

For the first time since independence our government had all the power, with a state of emergency called. The old saying goes: Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Our already struggling economy has almost come to a standstill. People are losing their jobs and businesses are closing their doors. Yet as far as I know our government ministers and employees have not taken a reduction in pay, although you struggle to get service … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

A NEWBORN baby has tested positive for Covid-19, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Saturday afternoon.

The newborn is part of Namibia’s 26 new positive Covid-19 cases recorded.

The baby tested positive for coronavirus after the mother had contracted the disease, Shangula told The Namibian.

According to the minister, all the new cases are of Namibians with 25 from Walvis Bay and one from Windhoek. This brings Namibia’s total number of cases to 375. The country now has 360 active cases and 25 recoveries.

“Among them is a newborn baby from Windhoek. The rest are from Walvis … Read More

by Clemans Miyanicwe

Former mayor of Khorixas, Elizabeth Geises (55), and her family are in self-quarantine.

Geises said she, two children and two grandchildren have self-quarantined at their house, after it emerged a visitor from Walvis Bay was alerted to the nearest health facility. “This after someone who visited a shop (at Walvis Bay), that the visitor also visited, tested positive for Covid-19,” Geises said.

“Our temperature is taken daily, and it’s fine,” the former mayor said.

The Namibian learnt that the visitor is quarantined at a local lodge at the northwestern town.

Geises said she and her family were … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia has reported 15 new Covid-19 positive cases, all of which are from Walvis Bay, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Friday evening.

This brings the total cases to 350, with 25 recoveries, the minister said.

Shangula, in a statement, said 13 are females and two are males. The youngest is four years old and the oldest is 51 years old.

“Twelve had symptoms consistent with Covid-19 at the time of specimen collection. Four were identified through active case search,” he said.

The minister added that they are all in stable condition and contact tracing is ongoing.… Read More

by Ester Mbathera

STATE facilities are overwhelmed with specimen for Covid-19 and the ministry of health has engaged private laboratories to assist with Covid-19 testing due to the expansion of targeted testing.

Health executive director Ben Nangombe told The Namibian yesterday that the process will be facilitated by a team responsible for laboratories under the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s nine pillars for the management of the response to Covid-19.

“The backlog is indicative of hard work being done by the surveillance team and also an indication that the expanded targeted testing that is underway is producing results. People are being … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

THE police in the Erongo region have warned church and traditional authority leaders in the region against issuing community members with letters recommending travel.

Movement from Walvis Bay, Arandis and Swakopmund is restricted in line with Covid-19 stage 3 regulations, but people at these towns may apply for permits to travel in case of essential medical treatment, or any other reason considered sufficient by an authorised police officer.

Police community affairs commander for the Erongo region Ileni Shapumba says police stations are inundated on a daily basis with applications for travel permits related to death, … Read More

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this morning said there are 42 new Covid-19 cases, one in Windhoek and the rest at Walvis Bay. He said 36 are female and 16 male. The youngest case is two months old and the oldest is 56. All of them are in a satisfactory condition.

The minister said there is one new recovery, case number 24. The country now has 335 confirmed cases, 25 recoveries and 310 active cases. There are no deaths.

Total samples tested stand at 10 253 and 592 tests were conducted yesterday, which is a new record.… Read More

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has eight new Covid-19 cases. All are Namibians from Walvis Bay. Four are males and four females. They are all in a stable condition, he said.

Case number 286 is a 28-year-old woman and a contact of a confirmed case.

Case number 287 is a 26-year-old man and also a contact of a confirmed case. He is displaying symptoms.

Case number 288 is a 13-year-old girl and a contact of a confirmed case.

Case number 289 is a 30-year-old woman and a contact of a confirmed case. She is displaying … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

The Oshana education directorate has temporarily closed Mweshipandeka Secondary School for face-to-face teaching after one of the pupils at the school tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday.

A team of health officials will be dispatched to the school to conduct testing on all pupils, teachers and workers.

Boarders at the school’s hostel will be quarantined for four days, or until the test results of all pupils are available and cleared of Covid-19.

Oshana education director Hileni Amukana in a press release said the regional task force on Covid-19 is in charge of the situation and … Read More

by Tuyeimo Haidula

THE United Nations Population Fund office in Namibia handed over personal protective equipment to the health ministry for its workers on Monday.

UNFPA country representative Dennia Gayle said the equipment is in support of government’s ongoing efforts to protect health workers and to respond to president Hage Geingob’s call for all stakeholders to hold hands in the spirit of Harambee to collectively respond to and defeat this pandemic in Namibia.

The donation, worth N$2 … Read More

by Ester Mbathera and Okeri Ngutjinazo

ERONGO police officers have launched an investigation into the sale of an alleged Covid-19 prevention formula being touted by a Chinese national at Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay.

On Monday afternoon, officers raided several shops and warehouses as well as a house owned … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

A 20-YEAR-OLD pupil at Mweshipandeka Secondary School in Ongwediva, Oshana region, tested positive for Covid-19, leaving more than 300 pupils and teachers at the school in panic.

During the lockdown, the pupil allegedly travelled to Walvis Bay, the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in Namibia and returned to resume face-to-face learning at the school on 5 June.

He and six other pupils who had travelled from towns in Erongo region have since been placed under quarantine in isolated rooms in an effort to curb any possible further spread and risks of infections.

He was tested … Read More

Namibia reports 52 new Covid-19 cases, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula said at the Covid-19 communication centre this morning. He said 51 are from Walvis Bay and one is from a quarantine facility.

He said 34 of the new cases involve males and 18 females. The youngest one is a year old and the oldest is 59.

One of the new cases is a Polish national.

This brings Namibia’s total number of cases to 257, with 24 recoveries. The total number of tested samples stand at 9 551, with 811 contacts.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula on Tuesday night announced two new positive Covid-19 cases.
“One from Walvis Bay and one from Oshana. One has no established contacts with a confirmed case. One presented with symptoms at the time of specimen collection. Both are in a stable condition,” he said.

This brings Namibia’s total number of Covid-19 cases to 205.

Shangula said case number 204 is a 39-year-old Namibian and a resident of the Ohangwena region. She went to Oshakati on 24 June to visit her child.
Shangula said the patient visited relatives at Walvis … Read More

Health update: Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this morning announced seven new Covid-19 cases, all from Walvis Bay, and all in a satisfactory condition. This brings the total confirmed cases countrywide to 203, with no deaths, 24 recoveries and 179 active cases.

A total of 9 118 samples have been tested and 875 are people in quarantine.

As all 13 regions enter stage 4 of the state of emergency, Shangula urged the public to familiarise themselves with the new measures and comply with them.… Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Monday evening a spike in the novel coronavirus cases which have hit 196.

Speaking on state broadcaster the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Shangula said the figure had shot up by 13 cases with eight coming from Walvis Bay, three from Hardap and one each from Oshana and Zambezi regions.

He also said the government has so far swabbed 8 913 people for testing.… Read More

ADAM HARTMAN and ESTER MBATHERA

NAMIBIANS quarantined at state facilities in the Erongo region have complained about the state of these facilities, saying many are not up to standard.

A patient who spent two weeks in the Walvis Bay State Hospital Covid-19 isolation ward after testing positive earlier this month, has described the treatment at the ward as traumatic.

He says it exposes Namibia’s lack of capacity to … Read More

Deputy minister of health Ester Muinjangue this morning said there are no new confirmed Covid-19 cases and the total in the country stands at 183. The country has 24 recoveries and 159 active cases.

… Read More

by ESTER MBATHERA

ERONGO region governor Neville Andre is concerned about the high number of young people between the age of 24 and 40 contracting Covid-19 at Walvis Bay.

Although the governor could not explain the reason why young people are the ones contracting the virus, he urged the youth to minimise their movement, which he believes could help protect elderly members in the communities from contracting Covid-19.

“The statistics show that more young people are contracting the virus at Walvis Bay. This is worrisome as we know that most young people in Kuisebmond live with elderly people. … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this evening announced that 33 new Covid-19 cases, all from Walvis Bay, were reported.

He further said 20 are contacts of confirmed cases and 13 presented with symptoms at the time of swabbing.

The country now has 183 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 24 recoveries and 159 active cases. Total samples tested are 8 706 and 869 people in quarantine.… Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning announced that 14 new Covid-19 infections have been recorded at Walvis Bay, bringing the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 150.

• 

Shangula in a statement said all cases are from Walvis Bay and some are infections from people who had contact with people previously confirmed to have contracted the virus.

“We have 14 new confirmed cases. The total number of confirmed cases is at 150. They are all from Walvis Bay. Three are part of active case search. Eleven presented with Covid-19 related signs and symptoms. The persons … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia on Friday reported a record 16 new coronavirus infections, all from Walvis Bay.

According to the information at hand, 15 of the people who tested positive were tested on 21 June, with a sample for testing taken from one of the cases on 24 June.

• 

In a statement, health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula said ten of the cases had contact with previously confirmed cases.

“Eleven displayed signs and symptoms when they were seen,” he said.

Case 106 is a 40-year-old Namibian woman with no known contact to a confirmed case.

Case 107 is a … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE education ministry plans to start school counselling sessions after a pupil at Mariental Secondary School tested positive for Covid-19 on 18 June.

Hardap regional education director Gerhard Ndafenongo made the announcement during this morning’s Covid-19 information session in Windhoek.

Ndafenongo said their unit on special education is assessing how pupils from other schools were affected.

“If the report comes that we need to move in, we will send in a (health) expert on school counselling to assist,” he said.

However, he noted that they have not received an extreme case which … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia recorded one recovery and three new positive Covid-19 cases. Namibia now has 105 Covid-19 cases.

According to Shangula, who made the announcement this morning, case number 103 is a 15-year-old Namibian female who travelled from India.

Case number 104 is a 40-year-old Namibian man from Walvis Bay. Case number 105 is a 43-year-old Namibian man, also from Walvis Bay.

The three new cases are all asymptomatic and in satisfactory condition.

Shangula said the recovered patient is case 31. … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this evening announced that Namibia has recorded 12 new confirmed coronavirus infections, bringing the country’s Covid-19 cases to 102.

Speaking on the NBC, Shangula said the new cases are from Erongo – eleven at Walvis Bay and one at Swakopmund.

He also said seven of the confirmed cases had contact with other people with the virus, and six of the new cases had no symptoms of Covid-19 when they were tested. … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

The education directorate in the Oshana region has placed 11 pupils who recently travelled from high-risk areas in Erongo region under quarantine.

Some of the pupils have been placed under quarantine at isolation facilities in Oshana while others have been directed to go into self-isolation until health officials have cleared them of possible novel coronavirus infection.

The acting deputy director of education in Oshana, Hilma Nuunyango-George, told The Namibian that none of the pupils under quarantine or in self-isolation is showing any signs of Covid-19.

However, the directorate is still waiting for their coronavirus test results from … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

SOME Grade 11 and 12 pupils at Kavango West might have to go home as there will not be enough space for them in the hostels due to Covid-19 regulations.

The region’s education director, Teopolina Hamutumua, said overcrowded schools and hostels was a challenge to education in the region.

She was speaking at the Covid-19 centre in Windhoek during an update on school operations for phase one and two of Otjozondjupa, Kavango West and Zambezi regions.

“The overcrowding of hostels and classes has made it difficult. For instance, a class that has 60 learners will … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning said there are 14 new confirmed novel coronavirus infections in Namibia, bringing the country’s number of Covid-19 cases to 90.

Shangula said eleven of the confirmed cases are from Walvis Bay, one from Swakopmund and two are from a quarantine facility in Windhoek.… Read More

by Ester Mbathera

EVERY TIME someone demands the list of names of those who tested positive for Covid-19, I cringe.

Have we now turned into hell’s judges and jury whose job is to separate the saints from the sinners? Unlike other viruses, this one gets to you when you least expect it. So what is the rationale for wanting to know who has the virus?

No one deserves to contract Covid-19.

More so, no one deserves to be treated with disgust when in most cases one is innocently exposed to the virus.

Stigma is not something everyone is … Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

Scores of people have been travelling out of the Erongo region to areas such as the far north of the country, after restrictions on parts of the region were lifted.

This has raised fears of a possible transmission of the coronavirus to these areas, as the Erongo region has become the hotspot of the disease.

Walvis Bay has recently become the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting the suspension of issuing of travel permits to people travelling from the region, to combat the spread of the virus.

Oshana health director, Johanna Haimene told The Namibian … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Ester Mbathera

INSPECTOR general Sebastian Ndeitunga yesterday sent around 40 staff members from a department at the police headquarters home after one of them was tested for Covid-19.

The Namibian understands that the staff members are all from the Directorate of Gender and Welfare on the fifth floor of the police building.

The employee who was tested is expected to receive his Covid-19 results today, while the rest of the department has now been subjected to quarantine.

Ndeitunga told The Namibian yesterday that the employee who has been subjected to a Covid-19 test allegedly came in … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

INMATES detained at the Windhoek Correctional Facility say there are no measures at the prison to protect them from the new coronavirus.

“We are under threat. We have been on lockdown since March, but we don’t even get soap,” an inmate who contacted The Namibian anonymously, said.

The inmate complained about overcrowding, a lack of temperature screening of prisoners, and no personal protective equipment for wardens and officers.
“We … Read More

Namibia has recorded four new positive cases of Covid-19, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said this morning. All four are imported cases and each of them are quarantined in Windhoek. This brings the country’s total positive cases to 76.

Case number 73, 74 and 75 are Indian nationals who travelled to Namibia on 17 June.

Shangula said the three women travelled from India through South Africa.

Furthermore, the three showed no symptoms of the virus but were placed in quarantine, as per protocol, Shangula said.

All three are in satisfactory condition.

Case number 76 is a Namibian … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says now that the whole country is out of stage 1 of the Covid-19 state of emergency restrictions the responsibility to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus lies on each individual.

In an interview with The Namibian this afternoon, Shangula urged the public to still practise social distancing and all other Covid-19 guidelines to reduce the chances of getting infected with the virus.

“We are now in the stage where the responsibility falls on the individual rather than the government. Government responsibility was on stage one where government enforced measures. Now when … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

Namibia has recorded five more cases of Covid-19, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced on Tuesday evening.

This cases, which are all from Walvis Bay, bring the country’s number of confirmed novel coronavirus infections to 72.

“These cases are part of the batch that was analysed yesterday but could only be completed today,” Shangula said.

Case 68 is a 41-year-old Namibian woman from Walvis Bay. According to Shangula, she has had no known contact with a confirmed novel coronavirus case.

“She was swabbed on 20 June as part of active case search. She had Covid-19-related signs … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

The ministry of trade and industrialisation has donated 14 000 masks to vulnerable people and senior citizens in the //Kharas region to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick, receiving the mask donation for distribution among the vulnerable, on Tuesday expressed her gratitude to trade ministry officials.

Johannes Kisting, the ministry’s regional head in //Kharas, said the masks were produced by small businesses in the region with material … Read More

by Adam Hartman

A testing exercise aimed at having 2 000 people at Walvis Bay checked for Covid-19 by Friday is set to start tomorrow.

The active case identification exercise’s objective is to establish the extent of the spread of Covid-19 in the Walvis Bay district, and to use data collected to plan for response activities in the district, Erongo governor Neville Andre announced on Tuesday afternoon.

“Erongo is faced with the mammoth task of ensuring that we contain the virus – it is here with us and amongst us,” he said during a press conference at Swakopmund.

Over the … Read More

by Clemans Miyanicwe

FOUR teachers at a primary school at Outjo were told to self-quarantine as they were at a funeral at the Kunene region town which was also attended by a woman from Walvis Bay who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

In a letter dated 22 June, a school principal said Outjo circuit inspector Thomas Amutenya was informed that the four teachers had been in contact with people from Walvis Bay and the school management was requesting that they should stay at home for self-quarantine “as there … Read More

by Taati Niilenge
 
Restaurant owners, arts and craft vendors, boat operators and residents of Walvis Bay were smiling this morning, as they could finally operate and enjoy meals with friends and family.

Places like the Walvis Bay waterfront, which looked like a ghost town for the past three months, was busy today as locals were looking for their favourite meals.
 
Some customers said they especially looked forward to sitting at restaurants situated near the water again. Others said they have missed enjoying drinks with family and friends, as sitting at home alone or ordering food was not fun. 
 … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Khomas regional police commander, commissioner Joseph Shikongo, has been quarantined after coming into contact with an alleged fugitive who tested positive for Covid-19 last week.

The alleged fugitive, Immanuel David (35), illegally entered Namibia on 12 June and was subsequently apprehended in Windhoek on 13 June, with Shikongo having been one of the arresting officers.

Shikongo is one of 13 police officers quarantined after apprehending David, who is Namibia’s coronavirus case 33.

Police inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga confirmed to The Namibian that Shikongo is in quarantine but is in … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded four new cases of Covid-19.

Case number 64 is a 71-year male lorry driver who arrived from South Africa and traveled to Oshikango.

He is in a satisfactory condition.

Case 65 is a 65-year-old man from Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay, and a contact of case 35.

Case 66 is a 50-year-old woman, also from Kuisebmond and a contact of case 35.

The last new confirmed infection, case 67, is a 51-year-old woman, also from Kuisebmond, whose contacts are unknown and was part of an active case search.

Namibia now has 67 confirmed Covid-19 … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

Namibia Ports Authority employees are undergoing a contact testing and self isolation process after a spouse of a staff member from the harbour parastatal’s administration block at Walvis Bay recently tested positive for Covid-19.

Tino !Hanabeb, commercial executive at Namport, told The Namibian that operations are continuing as precautionary disinfection of areas in which the employee’s movements were traced have taken place. 

!Hanabeb said the company has adopted a rotational shift system and the shift of the affected employees ended on Monday.

“Nothing has been closed; the department is still operational. No one was sent home as the … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Ester Mbathera

Justice minister Yvonne Dausab has called on the public to refrain from stigmatising lorry drivers and people from the Erongo region.

Speaking at a Covid-19 situation update at State House in Windhoek on Monday, Dausab said the public needs to learn that the country finds itself in the current situation and it should be dealt with as a collective.

“Members of the public should not stigmatise people from Walvis Bay and truck drivers, especially because of the situation we find ourselves in. To stigmatise or discriminate against people because of the situation … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

President Hage Geingob says he has communicated with South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa on the issue of medicine shortages in private medical facilities on the local front.

This comes after South Africa came up with new regulations to disallow the export of certain products, which has led to medicine shortages in the private sector, including vaccines for children.

The severe shortages are as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown affecting logistics, which has led to countries such as South Africa changing its export regulations on essential products .… Read More

by Ester Mbathera

NamPost has announced the temporary closure of the Walvis Bay Post Office due to a possible exposure to Covid-19.

The post office is to be closed from tomorrow (23 June) until Friday (26 June).

NamPost corporate communications manager Wilson Shikoto in a media statement this afternoon said the post office will be closed for disinfection.

The Kuisebmund and Narraville post offices will close on Tuesday for precautionary disinfection and reopen on Wednesday.

“The decision comes after careful consideration of the possible risk exposure as one of our employees at Walvis Bay Post Office might have been in … Read More

THE government has implored businesses to avoid retrenchments at all costs, to safeguard livelihoods while boosting the economy.

Speaking during the Covid-19 update at State House and answering a question from The Namibian on Monday, finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi called on businesses to find solutions that can mitigate job losses.

“Covid-19 is a global problem and certain issues may not be avoided, but we are asking businesses to avoid retrenchments and rather come up with job saving solutions. Job losses bring forth a change in livehoods, and if companies can by all costs avoid retrenchments, they … Read More

President Hage Geingob is updating the country about the Covid-19 situation in Namibia. He says Namibia has seen a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases, with infections now numbering 63.

He says most of the cases originate from the Erongo region. The health ministry has mobilised resources to investigate possible community transmissions in that region, the president says.

He also says the lockdown of Erongo is lapsing tonight, while the rest of the country is moving to stage 4 of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions next week Monday.

Geingob says despite an increase in Covid-19 cases in Erongo, the … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning said the country has eight new confirmed coronavirus infections – all from the Erongo region – and two new recoveries from Covid-19, which brings the number of Covid-19 cases recorded in Namibia to 63.

Cases 56, 57, 58 and 59 are all contacts of case 37, while case 60 is a contact of case 35.

Case 61 is a 24-year-old woman from Walvis Bay who does not have any known history of contact with another infected person. At the time she has no symptoms or related signs of … Read More

by Sakeus Iikela, Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Hileni Nembwaya

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob is expected to brief the nation on the government’s direction with regards to the anticipated resumption of face-to-face classes today.

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture yesterday issued a directive to halt the resumption of face-to-face classes for pre-primary children and Grades 1 to 3.

The resumption was in line with the government’s stage 4 lockdown exit plan.

Minister of education, arts and culture Anna Nghipondoka said pupils who are already at hostels should remain there until further notice.

More than 300 000 pupils were expected … Read More

by Ester Mbathera and Charmaine Ngatjiheue

WALVIS Bay, which has become the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in Namibia, is short of 600 beds for quarantine purposes.

The coastal town’s Covid-19 response team is in dire need of beds for contact isolation.

The beds are part of a list of requirements sent to Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor Knowledge Ipinge’s office on 18 June.

In email correspondence seen by The Namibian yesterday, the acting senior medical officer at Walvis Bay State Hosptial, Dr Martha Ntinda, said the hospital also requires accommodation facilities for medical staff, six cellphones, 100 boxes of … Read More

by Taati Niilenge
 
THE usually busy streets of Kuisebmund were empty today. Most residents are staying indoors after the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the area.

 
“We were complaining about the police and leaders, but they were only trying … People are shaken for the first few hours when they hear about cases, but then they go out again,” Meitavelo Simon from Kuisebmund said.
 
 “I didn’t see many people outside today. It is kind of funny to see my street less busy. Maybe we are finally listening,” Amutenya … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

ERONGO police commander commissioner Andreas Nelumbu has announced a directive to stop issuing of travel permits out of the region, to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“There will be no travel permits issued by the police throughout the region until further notice,” said the commissioner on Sunday afternoon.

Nelumbu also urged the public to strictly observe the safety measures put in place by the government, which include staying at home, and limiting unnecessary movements at all times.

The region’s community affairs commander Ileni Shapumba added that the public should not expect security forces to be out patrolling … Read More

Namibia reports nine new cases of Covid-19, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced this morning.

Case number 47 is a 28-year-old from Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay. She has no travel history.

Case number 48 is a 2-year-old from Kuisebmund, who came in contact with case number 35.

Case number 49 is also from Kuisebmund without any known contacts. Case number 50 travelled from India.

She is 28 and in quarantine. Case number 51 is a 36-year-old from Kuisebmund, followed by case number 52 from Walvis Bay.

Case number 53 is a 51-year-old from Kuisebmund. Case 54 is also … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

MEMBERS of the Walvis Bay community flocked to the Kuisebmond community hall on Saturday to be tested for Covid-19 after a message was circulated on social media that mass testing for the virus was taking place at the venue.

The residents were however turned away and told that the testing was only for those who had been contacted during contact tracing.

The anxious residents said they were disappointed at being turned away because are eager to know their status.

Some were hoping to get their results written on paper so that they can present them to the … Read More

by Ester Mbathera
 
Air Namibia has announced its head office in Windhoek wil be a restricted area until 5 July.

The company’s acting chief executive officer, Elia Erastus, said this measure was taken after an investigation confirmed one of their staff members visited the Namibian Airports Company (NAC) head office on 15 June.
 
Yesterday, the NAC announced a 14-day stage 1 lockdown of their head office, because one of its employees resides at 77 on Independence, reported as one of the places visited by Covid-19 case number 33.
 
“The suspected officer has been on duty since then and … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia reports one more case of Covid-19, minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced this morning at the Covid-19 communication centre.

The new case involves a 31-year-old Namibian woman who travelled from Pretoria, South Africa on 17 June.

This brings Namibia’s total cases to 46.

The patient is asymptomatic and in a satisfactory condition. Shangula says Namibia now has 19 recoveries and 27 active cases.

So far 6 837 samples have been tested, with 150 tested yesterday.

Namibia has quarantined 3 213 people, with 684 still quarantined.

Shangula yesterday announced five confirmed cases of Covid-19 at … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

CHIEF executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) Bisey Uirab today announced a 14-day stage1 lockdown of the company’s head office.

The lockdown is effective from 22 June until 6 July.

“The decision comes after careful consideration of a possible risk of exposure as one of our employees who works at the head office resides at 77 on Independence that was reported as one of the places case number 33 visited,” Uirab said.  
 
Meanwhile, FNB Swakopmund has also temporarily closed its doors for two days after reports of a close relative of a … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

A YOUNG Walvis Bay couple has taken it upon themselves to lessen the burden of families negatively affected by the lockdown by feeding children.

Anastacia de Klerk and Justin Herbert of Narraville decided to mobilise resources from other residents of the town to buy food, as they realised that many children at the town were roaming the streets hungry.
 
“Many people’s salaries were cut. Those who used to sell things cannot do … Read More

by Luqman Cloete

THE Hardap region is on high alert after its first case of Covid-19 was confirmed by the health ministry on Thursday.

Governor Menthos April told a press conference at Mariental on Friday that surveillance teams are hard at work tracing contacts.

He revealed that 17 people who were identified as possible contacts were tested on Thursday, and 10 others more were to be tested on Friday.

The governor said all contacts had been placed under quarantine at the Hardap Resort owned by Namibia Wildlife Resorts near Mariental.

April said the Mariental High School pupil … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this morning said case number 22 is making good progress, but remains in the intensive care unit.

Namibia has however reported a new Covid-19 case involving a 44-year-old man at Walvis Bay. He is asymptomatic and has not come in contact with any known cases. Contact tracing has commenced.

Namibia now has 40 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 19 recoveries. The country has not reported any deaths.

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PANEL DISCUSSION: This morning’s panellists at the Covid-19 communication centre are discussing the impact of Covid-19 on tuberculosis (TB) patients.

… Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

THE Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has instructed Mariental Secondary School to suspend classes for 14 days after a pupil at the school tested positive for Covid-19.

The pupil, who was on Thursday announced as the country’s 37th Covid-19 case, is a Walvis Bay resident who attends school in Mariental. He is a boarder at the school’s hostel.

He travelled to the town from Walvis Bay on 2 June and attended classes on 11 June, but has stayed home since 12 June after exhibiting symptoms of a runny nose, headache and loss of taste and smell. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE CONSTRUCTION industry faces huge challenges in completing a number of projects.

Stakeholders in the sector have called for pooling resources together to tackle the challenges the sector is facing.

Speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre yesterday experts said … Read More

by Adam Hartman

DOCTOR Amir Shaker, chief medical officer in the Erongo region, confirmed a Swakopmund woman tested positive for the coronavirus.

The woman is 55 years old with no history of travelling.

“She will be taken to isolation shortly,” Shaker said. 

“I  think she may be a community spread.”

This comes a day after patient number 26 was released from the Walvis Bay isolation ward.

Patient 26 said the state is not ready to handle a spike in cases, and added the government and the private sector have to cooperate to win this battle.
… Read More

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has three new Covid-19 cases.

Case number 37 is a Namibian man from Walvis Bay, case number 38 is a Namibian student who arrived from England and case number 39 is a 55 year-old Namibian female from Swakopmund.

Case 37 is a 20-year-old man who is a resident of Walvis, but a pupil at Mariental. According to health ministry spokesperson Manga Libita, the case was tested in the Hardap region and thus became that region’s cases.

This means Namibia has now recorded a total … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula this evening announced that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has increased to 36.

Shangula said case number 35 is a 26-year-old Namibian male of Walvis Bay.

He called the Walvis Bay State Hospital on 15 June complaining of a cough, difficulty breathing, a headache and a fever since the day before.

“He was picked up by an ambulance on the same day and taken to the hospital. He was screened, swabbed and admitted to the isolation ward. The result of the test came out … Read More

by Sara Nghishidimbwa

THE purpose of this article is to appeal to the Namibian government to fulfil or at the very least bring closer to fulfillment its promises to the masses through its laws.

In 2003, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), one of the first global public health treaties aimed at reducing the demand for tobacco products and addressing supply issues.

Its main objective is to protect present and future generations from the devastating health consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

In 2010, Namibia enacted the Tobacco Products Control … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

FISHCOR acting chief executive officer Paulus Ngalangi has been implicated in the transportation of alleged South African fugitive who tested positive Covid-19.

This was confirmed to The Namibian by the //Kharas police commander commissioner David Indongo.

Indongo said a police officer also allegedly assisted the fugitive. The officer and Paulus are now in quarantine.

“He (Paulus) is the owner of the car that transported the fugitive and he was behind the steering wheel,” Indongo said.

The commissioner added that he could not confirm whether the two were bribed to transport the fugitive.

“However, if investigations … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE Bank of Namibia has reverted to stage one of lockdown.

This comes after it was established that some of its staff members reside at a complex where the country’s Covid-19 case 33, the alleged fugitive from South Africa was apprehended.

Case 33 is a 35-year-old Namibian with South African citizenship.

He fled from South Africa into Namibia, crossing the Orange river in a canoe.

“Out of abundance of caution, and to protect the wellbeing of staff members, the bank has taken a decision, as a precaution, and with effect from 17 June 2020, to revert to … Read More

… as Namibia confirms community transmission

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Tuyeimo Haidula

AN ALLEGED fugitive from South Africa has tested positive for Covid-19 in Namibia after illegally crossing the border.

Meanwhile, the contacts of the alleged criminal are still being traced, which has also led to some members of the police being quarantined.

The alleged fugitive is believed to be a Namibian with South African citizenship and was arrested for alleged organised criminal activities.

He was apprehended on Saturday at a block of flats in Windhoek’s central business district.

The Namibian has learnt the 33-year-old man visited the flats on … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira

WHILE scientists are working towards finding a clinically approved vaccine for Covid-19, people around the world are turning to home remedies to treat the symptoms.

A number of articles can be found online on how herbal medicines, vitamin supplements, and certain foods or teas can alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease – even though they are not a cure.

Some of these may simply help the body fight the … Read More

Namibia stands at 34 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 18 recoveries and 16 active cases.

The country’s testing capacity has been extended to Keetmanshoop, which means it is no longer centralised.

As of yesterday (Tuesday), 6 100 tests have been conducted, 635 contacts have been identified, and cumulatively 2 961 people have been quarantined, with 639 people still in quarantine facilities. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

INSPECTOR general Sebastian Ndeitunga this morning said the police are receiving numerous complaints from truck drivers who feel they are not properly taken care of.

Addressing the Namibia Logistics Association, he said cross-border truckers complain about their welfare, stigmatisation, being paid poorly and being maltreated by the police.

“As a nation we know the essential role these drivers play, and we need to come together to help them. These drivers are really not feeling good about this and it can affect their work,” he said.

Ndeitunga wanted to know … Read More

MINISTER of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula this morning said Namibia has reported two new Covid-19 cases. This brings Namibia’s total number of cases to 34.

Case number 33 is a 35-year-old Namibian resident with South African citizenship who returned to Namibia on 12 June. He traveled to Windhoek from South Africa.

He is asymptomatic and his condition is stable.

Case number 34 is a 39-year old Namibian female from Walvis Bay who came in contact with her colleague (case number 32) at the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility.

This is another local transmission … Read More

by Lugeretzia Kooper

ABOUT eighteen people were slapped with a fine of N$2000 each over the weekend in Zambezi region for violating the Covid-19 State of Emergency regulations.

Zambezi regional police spokesperson inspector, Kisco Sitali, whom The Namibian spoke to today, noted that they are facing a challenge with regards to the operating hours put in place for sale of alcohol in the region since the ban was lifted in the beginning of this month.

“Several cases were open against individuals over the weekend for offences such as drinking in public and selling alcohol after … Read More

THE Social Security Commission (SSC) and the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) announced financial aid to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was announced last Friday at Swakopmund during the Erongo governor’s weekly Covid-19 update.

Unomengi Kauapirura, head of communications at the SSC, said the commission will provide 6 300 employees whose income has been affected by the pandemic with financial relief, while 850 affected employers will receive subsidies at the end of the month.

Simeon Kahona, Erongo DBN portfolio representative said the bank extended its payment holiday to clients from … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE … Deputy minister of health and social services Ester Muinjangue this morning said there are no new confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The number of local cases stands at 32, with 17 recoveries and 15 active cases in a stable condition.

Muinjangue said case number 22 is showing signs of improvement. As of yesterday, the ministry has tested 5 849 people countrywide, and 546 contacts have been identified and are being monitored.

Today’s panellists at the Covid-19 communication centre will be discussing the adherence of Erongo residents to stage 1 lockdown regulations with … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

There is an urgent need for blood donors to donate, as the Namibia Blood Transfusion Services (NamBTS) faces a severe blood shortage.

The shortage is due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

This was announced by this morning’s panellists at the Covid-19 communication centre, who were discussing World Blood Donor Day and the importance of donating blood during the current pandemic.

The panellists said Covid-19 led to an extreme blood shortage, calling for relooking business models.

NamBTS educational officer Titus Shivute said there was a shortage of blood donations in the first stage of lockdown.

He said NamBTS faces … Read More

Namibia reports a new positive Covid-19 case at Walvis Bay. Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula announced this at the Covid-19 communication centre this morning.

The new case involves a 31-year-old Namibian woman from Kuisebmond who works at the prison. She has no travel history. The minister says investigations are underway to determine the source of infection.

This means Namibia has 32 cases, with 17 recoveries and 15 active cases.

So far 5 682 tests have been conducted, with 713 people in quarantine facilities.… Read More

by Adam Hartman

THE Social Security Commission (SSC) said it will give financial assistance to 6 300 employees whose jobs and incomes have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The commission’s head of communications, Unomengi Kauapirura, said this during the Erongo governor’s weekly Covid-update press conference at Swakopmund today.

She said 13 300 employees who had their salaries cut due to the impact of the pandemic had registered for the stimulus assistance to date, and that 6 300 had been verified, while the rest are still being verified, and may be assisted … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE … Namibia still has 31 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 17 recoveries and one patient still in intensive care, but stable. A health official this morning said Namibia has tested over 5 000 people, with over 200 tested on Thursday alone.

AVAILABILITY OF MEDS … Panellists at the Covid-19 communication centre are discussing the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products and services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This morning’s speakers are Uli Ritter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia, Seija Nakamhela, chief pharmacist at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Elina Veijo, wholesale representative, and Tracy Makoni, pharmacy owner.… Read More

by Okeri Ngatjiheue

TRUCK drivers across the country have complained about the state of the facilities where they are kept for their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Damien Mabengano, deputy director of transportation regulations in the Ministry of Works and Transport, yesterday at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek said they have done an assessment of the facilities and noted some do not meet the required standards.

Adherence to regulations in the transport sector was discussed.

“They just call it a quarantine facility, but the things that are happening there . . . the conditions are not conducive and they (drivers) have … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH officials this morning said malaria is an epidemic within the Covid-19 pandemic, and efforts to combat infection should be intensified.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Elimination 8 (E8) ambassador Richard Kamwi said while Covid-19 is the new number-one enemy, malaria has always been around and kills far more people.

He said sub-Saharan Africa is home to 90% of malaria cases globally.

Speaking at a press conference on malaria amid Covid-19, Kamwi said malaria … Read More

by Charmaine Ngathijeue

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services this morning received 15 thermal cameras for screening temperatures from FirstRand Namibia.

The donation was made through the bank’s Health Optimisation in a Pandemic Emergency (HOPE) Fund.

The cameras are valued at N$1,4 million, and will strengthen the government’s efforts to detect coronavirus infections at an early stage.

The cameras are set to be used at high-risk points of migration between regions and borders, as well as crowded areas such as hospitals.

FirstRand Namibia’s chief executive officer, Sarel van Zyl, said the institution is committed … Read More

COVID-19 UPDATE … Speaking at the Covid-19 Communication Centre this morning, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said the Namibia Institute of Pathology yesterday conducted its highest number of tests in 24 hours.

This comprised 216 samples, which all tested negative. “Our testing capabilities continue to improve. We commend the NIP on this milestone,” Shangula said.

The minister revealed that Namibia has now conducted over 5 000 tests for Covid-19, with positive cases remaining at 31, with 17 recoveries.

Shangula said case number 22 is still in intensive care, but in a stable condition and is showing progress. … Read More

by Arlana Shikongo

THE Covid-19 tests conducted on four pupils at Swakopmund on Monday returned negative earlier today.

Heath minister Kalumbi Shangula made the announcement on NBC’s 20h00 news broadcast this evening.

Shangula said the students were tested in line with the ministry’s protocol for expanded targeting testing, which mandates that anyone who presents themself at a heath facility with respiratory ailments is tested for the virus.

“Anybody who comes to the health facility with flu-like symptoms, will be tested.

“We have been doing it before and we will continue to do it. There is nothing special about … Read More

ERONGO police community affairs commander, Ileni Shapumba said the lockdown of the region is not punishment, but is being done for the protection of the residents.

President Hage Geingob on Monday announced that Erongo will return to stage 1 of emergency regulations, which started yesterday and will end on 22 June.

Walvis Bay returned to stage 1 lockdown just over a week ago after more coronavirus cases were recorded there.… Read More

by Taati Niilenge

PRE-SCHOOL owners at the coast say the extension of the lockdown to the whole of Erongo region has plunged them into a financial crisis as they are unable to continue their business ventures.

Several pre-school owners who spoke to The Namibian yesterday urged the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Child Welfare to come to their … Read More

BUSINESS owners in the Erongo region has issued a distress call saying their busineses would not survive the latest lockdown imposed on the region.

Those leading these concerns are businesses operating in the hospitality and culinary industries.

They said more retrenchments could be on the cards as businesses would struggle to cushion the impact of the latest measures.

President Hage Geingob yesterday announced a stage 1 lockdown for the entire Erongo region until 22 June. … Read More

by Elias Ndeyanale

ELMA Dienda, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament, will be quarantined for two weeks after she travelled to South Africa about a month ago for her daughter’s funeral.

Speaking to The Namibian on Monday morning, Dienda confirmed she is under quarantine in Windhoek after she travelled to Upington on 7 May.

She said when she crossed the Ariamsvlei border in the //Kharas region, she was escorted by police from the border to Windhoek to ensure she was placed in quarantine.

“I arrived this morning from South Africa where I had gone to bury my … Read More

by Tuyeimo Haidula

APART from a loss of income, Shiwa the Baker’s biggest defeat as a result of Covid-19 was that she could not interact with her baker family.

The entrepreneur had several baking classes planned countrywide when president Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency and announced the subsequent lockdown at the end of March this year.

Needless to say, Shiwomeho Kalla had to cancel her plans

Although the strict lockdown was … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE disciplinary process of the two FP du Toit Transport truck drivers, who in May allegedly escaped from quarantine, continues.

Speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre this morning, Stephan Terblanche, chief executive officer of the transport company, confirmed this and declined to comment further.

One driver (47), who is Namibia’s 21st Covid-19 case, returned from South Africa on 8 May and was quarantined at FP du Toit Transport’s truck depot at the coastal town.

Before receiving … Read More

Deputy health minister Ester Muinjangue this morning said there are no new confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The country still has 31 confirmed cases with 16 recoveries and 15 active cases. A total of 4970 people were tested and 496 contacts have been identified and are being monitored.

Meanwhile 737 people are in quarantine.

Today’s discussion is on the adherence to Covid-19 regulations in the transport industry.

The panelist include Khomas regional commander commissioner Joseph Shikongo, deputy director of transportation regulations in the works ministry Damien Mabengano and chief executive officer of FP du Toit Stephan Terblanche.… Read More

by ARLANA SHIKONGO and CHARMAINE NGATJIHEUE

FOUR pupils at a Swakopmund secondary school were yesterday morning tested for Covid-19 after displaying flu-like symptoms.

This was announced in a statement by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture, stating that the four male pupils who reside at the Namib High School Hostel have since been placed in separate rooms in the hostel while awaiting their results.

“We understand that learners, and family of learners, attending this school will be concerned at this time. As an immediate step, the imperative of … Read More

President Hage Geingob is currently giving a Covid-19 update on the Erongo region and Walvis Bay lockdown.

When the rest of the country moved to Stage three of lockdown roughly a fortnight ago, Walvis Bay was reverted to stage one because of the number of positive Covid-19 cases.

President Hage Geingob says many have made sacrifices to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic but the situation remains difficult. He says despite new cases being reported, Namibia has not reported any deaths.

He said as of 7 June, Namibia reported 29 Covid-19 positive cases, of which eight of those … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira

THE Namibia Oncology Centre (NOC) says it has been forced to stop the treatment of some of their patients as they await stock from South Africa amid border restrictions.

The private healthcare centre is the biggest facility in Namibia specialising in the treatment of cancer patients.

NOC general manager Anthea van Wyk last week confirmed the centre is facing challenges due to the delay of some chronic medication.

“Unfortunately, we have been experiencing a severe shortage of certain medicines since the lockdown was implemented in South Africa,” Van Wyk said.

She said half of the oncology centre’s … Read More

by Taati Niilenge

SEVERAL pupils from Walvis Bay, who attend schools at Swakopmund, were sent home after reporting for class last week.

Schools around the country, with the exception of those at Walvis Bay, resumed face-to-face learning last Wednesday for Grades 11 and 12.

At least 11 pupils were sent home to Walvis Bay after attempting to attend classes at Swakopmund.

Sibanga Sinvula, principal of … Read More

Namibia reports two more positive Covid-19 cases, both travel related. This brings Namibia’s total number of cases to 31.

Case number 30 involves a 27-year-old who returned from India and has been quarantined at a Karasburg facility.

Her condition is satisfactory. Case number 31 is a 50-year-old Namibian woman who also travelled from India. She is also in a satisfactory condition.… Read More

by Luqman Cloete

//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick has stressed the importance of wearing face masks in public spaces in an effort to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is imperative to wear face masks at all times in the public space as part of the ongoing fight against the invincible enemy Covid-19,” she said at the handing over of masks to patients at Keetmanshoop State Hospital on Friday.

Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs manufactured the masks with material donated by the industrialisation and trade ministry.

Frederick lauded the empowerment of //Kharas SMEs through the donation of the material that … Read More

HEALTH UPDATE: Namibia’s Covid-19 cases now stand at 29, with the possibility of a local transmission at Walvis Bay.

Shangula, who was speaking at the Covid-19 communication centre this morning in Windhoek, said four students, who are currently quarantined in Windhoek, have also tested positive. The students had travelled from South Africa.

Meanwhile, case 26, which is suspected to be locally transmitted, is a 44-year-old man from Walvis Bay. The man has no travel history and investigations of the source of infection are ongoing.

… Read More

by Hileni Nembwaya

THE police in Oshana region have launched an urgent tracing operation of two truck drivers who allegedly abandoned their work trucks at Ondangwa and Omahenene border post after arriving in Namibia from South Africa earlier this week.

Both trucker drivers are employees of The 6000 Transport at Ondangwa.

It remains unclear whether the truck drivers were placed under mandatory quarantine when they entered the country.

However, the owner of The 6000 Transport, Mario Mwenyo, upon learning that the truck drivers abandoned their trucks, reported the matter to the police to allow … Read More

by Adam Hartman

ERONGO governor Neville Andre has warned public and private institutions not to abuse the Covid-19 pandemic for their own gain and not to throw victims of the virus and its economic impact under the proverbial bus.

He said this at the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) annual media briefing at Swakopmund on Wednesday.

“It is such abnormal times when the instruments and institutions for integrity, transparency and accountability will come to test to ensure the resources earmarked for activities under Covid-19 are spent on the intended purposes,” Andre said.

He said if care is not taken, vulnerable … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shajngula has urged Namibians should adhere to the social distancing regulations for stage 3.

Speaking at the communication centre in Windhoek this morning, Shangula said this coming weekend will be the first weekend of stage 3 on relaxed lockdown regulations.

He said those … Read More

De Beers donates masks, sanitisers to marginalised communities

THE De Beers Group has donated a consignment of hand sanitisers and masks to schoolchildren from marginalised communities in the Omaheke, Kunene and //Kharas regions.

The donation consisted of 7 500 masks, made by a community initiative at Keetmanshoop, and 1 500 litres of hand sanitiser produced by the University of Namibia.

De Beers’ country director, Daniel Kali, said the group has agreed … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

INSPECTOR general Sebastian Ndeitunga yesterday said crime rates have reduced significantly judging by reports 68 days before and during the Covid-19 state of emergency.

He was speaking at a press conference held yesterday in Windhoek at the police headquarters. Ndeitunga said the reduction in crime is attributed to more visibility of the members of the security clusters during the state of emergency.

“During the 68 days before the state of emergency, 1 639 serious crimes were recorded nationally. This tally dropped to 1 369 during the state of emergency, accounting for a … Read More

by Roxane Bayer and Charmaine Ngatjheue

SOME private schools have requested parents to sign Covid-19 indemnity forms once pupils return to school.

One of these schools is St George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek.

Responding to questions from The Namibian yesterday, St Georges’ executive head Berdine Beukes said the recommendation for parents to sign indemnity forms emanates from the best practice guidelines of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (Isasa), of which the school is a member.

Beukes said the school’s council also approved the decision.

She said the school ordinarily requires … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

NAMIBIA yesterday confirmed another Covid-19 infection.

The latest case involves a woman who had travelled from Cape Town, South Africa, to Namibia last week.

This brings the total number of infections in Namibia to 25, with 16 recoveries and nine active cases.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula said the woman had travelled to Cape Town via bus at the end of March 2020 and returned by plane.

“She was placed in quarantine upon arrival. She was tested for Covid-19 and the result came out positive. This is now case number 25. She has a … Read More

ALL 26 employees of the Walvis Bay branch of Standard Bank Namibia have tested negative for Covid-19, after they were sent into quarantine a week ago because a client who visited the branch on 12 May tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

In a media statement, Standard Bank spokesperson Magreth Mengo said the bank “took a proactive stance to eliminate any doubts and offer peace of mind to our staff, clients, stakeholders and communities”.

The Walvis Bay branch was disinfected and the entire staff complement who worked in the … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture says it will closely monitor the resumption of face-to-face learning at schools this week to determine if adjustments are needed.

Grades 11 and 12 are set to return to school on Wednesday.

Schools in all 14 regions will resume classes while Walvis Bay has returned to stage 1 lockdown after new Covid-19 cases were reported in the coastal town.

The country now has 24 confirmed cases with 14 recoveries.

Deputy education minister Faustina Caley said the ministry is sending pupils back to … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

PUPILS are being allowed to go back to school without fear of getting infected with Covid-19, health minister Kalumbi Shangula announced this morning.

He said the decision for Namibia to move to stage three and therefore allow face-to-face education, comes from the fact that there have been no local transmissions and all the cases have been imported into the country.

“There are restrictive measures and there is surveillance to detect any hotspots […] Schools are required to maintain the hygiene, have portable water, hand wash and sanitisers. All managers, teachers and learners are required to … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning confirmed that Namibia has recorded a new positive case of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases to 25.

The latest case is a 32-year-old Namibian health worker who travelled to Cape Town, South Africa, at the end of March and returned on 29 May.

Shangula said the woman was put in quarantine upon arrival. She currently has a runny nose, but her condition is satisfactory, Shangula said.

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Romanian couple recover from Covid-19

by Ndanki Kahiurika

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning announced that the Romanian couple have now recovered from Covid-19.

He said … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula this morning said the country has recorded another Covid-19 positive case of a 51-year-old man who arrived in Namibia on 5 May on a fishing vessel which was the same vessel where case 22 originated from.

The patient is one of the eight crew members comprising four Namibians and four non-Namibians.

The crew departed on 25 April to deliver salt and fish products in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While in that country, all crew members did not disembark from the vessel but Congolese nationals entered the vessel.

The minister, who was speaking at the daily … Read More

ALL 14 regions of the country will on Monday migrate to stage 3 of the lockdown exit strategy for the next 28 days – except for Walvis Bay, which will go back to stage 1 until 8 June.

President Hage Geingob announced this yesterday during a media briefing at State House.

The complete lockdown of Walvis Bay is effective immediately following two concurrent Covid-19 cases in the town.

The observance period will be monitored weekly and may be extended.

This is because case number 21 and 22, both from Walvis Bay, have been in contact with over 100 people between … Read More

MIKE COLLETT-WHITE

AS much of the world begins to emerge from lockdowns, people are looking back at time spent cut off from friends, family and colleagues by the coronavirus and forward to what happens next.

Reuters has captured some of those reflections along with portraits from across Africa and the Middle East … Read More

The Namibia Red Cross Society currently has 230 volunteers who have been trained on both Covid-19 prevention measures and psychological support. These volunteers are involved in risk communication and community engagement in nine regions across the country.

Helman Aluvilu, one of the volunteers, is serving at the Omahenene border post village in the Omusati region. He helps villagers install tippy taps and demonstrates proper hand-washing techniques.

Aluvilu’s commitment garnered the attention of the regional police, who came to his aid with food and accommodation.

According to spokesperson Edmund Khoaseb, stakeholders in the region have decided to set up a team … Read More

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has recorded a new Covid-19 case involving a woman who travelled from Tanzania. The woman is quarantined in Windhoek.

Shangula said the 38-year-old Namibian woman started experiencing symptoms on 7 April while in Tanzania but was not tested there. However, she self-isolated. She travelled back to Namibia on 23 May and was swabbed on 27 May.

“The team learned that she had posted on social media while in Tanzania that she had recovered from Covid-19,” Shangula said.

This takes the country’s number of confirmed coronavirus infections to 23, … Read More

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said restaurants will be required to keep a list of names of their customers for possible contact tracing.

He said that no more than 50 people are allowed at weddings, funerals and any big gatherings.

Shangula said the sale of alcohol will not be allowed on Sundays but people are allowed to drink at home and buy it for take aways only. He also said alcohol should not be sold after 18h00.

Shangula said clubs will not be opened due to the fact that they are high risk areas.

… Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

President Hage Geingob this afternoon announced that the country will continue to stage 3 of its Covid-19 restrictions, while Walvis Bay will go back to a more restrictive stage 1.

He said the country will have stage 3 for a period of 28 days from Tuesday next week, while Walvis Bay, where the country’s two most recent coronavirus infections were detected, will revert back to stage 1.

Geingob said this at an update on Namibia’s steps to combat the Covid-19 pandemic at State House today.

The president praised Namibians and health workers for their … Read More

NAMIBIA has recorded another Covid-19 case.

The latest case involves a 63-year-old Namibian man who is admitted in the intensive care unit of a Walvis Bay hospital.

The man arrived at the coastal town on a fishing vessel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 5 May as part of an eight-member crew, including four Namibians.

Minister of health Kalumbi Shangula told the daily Covid-19 information session in Windhoek yesterday that the fishing vessel left Walvis Bay on 25 April to export certain products to the DRC, which the vessel reached on 30 … Read More

ERONGO region is stepping up measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, after a truck driver tested positive for the disease over the weekend at Walvis Bay.

This trucker became Namibia’s 21st case of the virus. It is alleged he was infected when he was transporting essential goods from South Africa.

Erongo governor Neville Itope yesterday told the media that an emergency meeting of members of the disaster risk management committee was held on Tuesday to discuss a proper response to the latest case.

Itope said the regional health directorate will strengthen its testing, screening and education in … Read More

PETRUS MURONGA

A company appointed to construct a Nkurenkuru primary healthcare facility in 2014, which is still not completed, has since April refused to hand over the site to new contractors for the completion of the project.

Shafombabi Eedopi Construction was supposed to complete the facility on 15 April 2015, but has until now reportedly been holding up the Ministry of Health and Social Services after the ministry resolved to appoint six contractors to finish the structure.

Sirkka Ausiku, governor of the Kavango West region, says she is disappointed by the contractor’s conduct during a state of emergency.… Read More

WHO SAYS THE AMERICAS ARE NEW EPICENTRE

BRASILIA – The Americas have emerged as a new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, as a United States study forecast deaths surging in Brazil and other Latin American countries through August.

“Now is not the time for countries to ease restrictions,” Carissa Etienne, WHO director for the Americas … Read More

KIM HARRISBERG

JOHANNESBURG – Widows across the globe are being evicted, forced to give up property or to marry male relatives after their husbands die from the new coronavirus, land rights experts said on Tuesday.

Women often only earn legal or socially recognised rights to land and property through a husband or father, which are regularly violated during times of crisis, such as war or the HIV-AIDS pandemic, they said – and the coronavirus is no exception.

“Covid-19 is a widow-maker,” Karol Boudreaux, chief programme officer at the land rights charity Landesa, told a webinar organised by the Land Portal … Read More

WAKOPMUND – The security forces in Erongo will be enforcing the strict use of the Dune 7 dual carriageway between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to prevent lorries from using the C13 road to enter the town of Walvis Bay.

This is to ensure the screening of all lorry drivers and escorting of trucks to the port of Walvis Bay and the quarantine facility at the harbour town, Erongo governor Neville Andre-Itope said at a media briefing yesterday. He added that the regional health directorate has been tasked to identify more quarantine and isolation facilities where stringent measures will be put … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor on Tuesday asked about 30 employees from its head office at Walvis Bay to work from home, following reports that two employees had come into contact with a person who had contact with a lorry driver suspected to have been exposed to Covid-19.
 
A spokesperson of the electricity distributor, Benjamin Nangombe, told The Namibian the employees were sent home to self-isolate, and that they would return to their offices at the start of next week.

He said the closure of ErongoRED’s head office is to have the premises disinfected to minimise the risk of exposure … Read More

by Ester Mbathera

AN elderly woman at Walvis Bay has warned the community to be on the lookout for a group of four men and a woman who she claims are masquerading as health officials testing for Covid-19.

The 85-year-old Francina Williams told The Namibian the five people came to her house at around 10h00 this morning claiming to be “health officials from a private Covid-19 organisation”.

“The young man came to me and … Read More

by Yokany Oliveira

WITH the sale and buying of alcohol off limits as part of the state of emergency regulations, many regular drinkers may find it an uphill battle to relax without their favourite beverage.

A wellness centre has urged those struggling with drinking habits to use this period for positive change – even after the two-month long alcohol ban is possibly lifted on 2 June.

Cornerstone Wellness Centre in Windhoek offers support to people struggling with substance abuse and says alcoholics, or those struggling with alcohol, should seek professional help and make use of family support where available.

The … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE police have dished out fines of close to N$100 000 to people who contravened the alcohol ban between 5 and 25 May.

This was said by Khomas regional police commander Joseph Shikongo at a press briefing yesterday, who said 49 people had been arrested for either buying or selling alcohol during that period.

He reiterated that the smuggling of alcohol from Angola continues to increase.

“From 5 to 25 May, about 49 suspects were arrested for dealing with alcohol, either buying or selling and an amount of N$60 000 was paid in … Read More

LOW VIRUS DEATH RATE BUT MIGRANT WORRIES FOR INDIA

MUMBAI – India yesterday recorded a total of 145 380 coronavirus infections and a death toll of 4 167, comparatively low figures for the world’s second most populous country.

But separate states witnessing millions of migrant labourers returning from the big cities were recording rising infections, officials said, fearing that the pandemic could spread through villages where medical care is basic at best.

Health ministry officials said India’s death rate stood at 0,3 deaths per 100 000 people, compared to what they said was a world average of 4,4.… Read More

by Farid Farid

CAIRO – State surveillance is on the rise globally as governments such as Egypt’s take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic, warns exiled historian and intellectual Khaled Fahmy.

… Read More

by Ester Mbathera

WALVIS Bay urban constituency councillor Knowledge Ipinge has ordered a transport company and a bank to close their premises at the town due to fears of the spread of the coronavirus.

In a letter to the management of FP du Toit Transport company, Ipinge said he was ordering the closure of the company’s depot after a truck driver who was quarantined there tested positive for Covid-19 at the weekend.

Ipinge said he was acting “through the power vested in me as an authorised officer in terms of section 33 and 34 of the Disaster Risk … Read More