Author: liveadmin

by Ndanki Kahiurika

PARENTS have been advised to keep their children from prank calling the Covid-19 call centre.

This was said during a discussion at the communication centre for Covid-19 updates, in Windhoek yesterday afternoon.

Head of the Covid-19 call centre, Lineekela Kalimba said they have experienced a lot of challenges despite trying to fulfil their mandate of advising and answering questions from the public on Covid-19 related matters.

She said the centre was initially set up by the health ministry during the hepatitis E outbreak and has since upgraded to tackle future outbreaks including Covid-19.

Most volunteers manning the … Read More

A second Namibian lorry driver is confirmed to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Zambia.

The two drivers who have tested positive for the virus in Zambia are employed by two different truck companies in Namibia.

Namibia’s high commissioner to Zambia, Sivave Haindongo, reported the second positive test result of a Namibian lorry driver in Zambia in a letter addressed to the international relations ministry’s executive director, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, today

Haindongo stated that from the information provided to the diplomatic mission, the first case involves a 42-year-old man now in isolation in Zambia. Haindongo reported that the driver … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA will launch targeted testing for highly exposed professions, including the mining, fisheries and media sectors on Monday.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula confirmed the move over the weekend, saying it will give a true assessment of whether there are any cases of community spread.

He says the government hopes to test 200 000 Namibians.
“We are now moving foward to a level of targeted testing where we will identify certain exposed groups including mining, fisheries as well as journalist. The targeted testing will continue until we are satisfied with the responses on the ground,” he said.
Widespread … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula this evening in a live interview with NBC confirmed the country’s eighth coronavirus disease (Covid-19) case.

Shangula said the eighth confirmed case is a local transmission from the third confirmed case a German national.

The minister said they have two further suspected cases, which are not confirmed. The first is a truck driver, who traversed several countries before coming to Namibia and second is a contact.

“A specimen has been taken and sent to the laboratory for investigation whether it is a confirmed case or not. When the results come they will be … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

THE Hospitality Association of Namibia’s chief executive officer, Gitta Paetzold, says travel agents have been working day and night to find ways of transporting tourists back home.

The association has a membership of over 50 lodges, hotels and campsites across Namibia.

She said this yesterday when asked about the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) on the industry … Read More

by Adam Hartman at Walvis Bay

THE Welwitschia Private Hospital at Walvis Bay and the Erongo Health Directorate last Thursday launched the Corona Care Campaign.

According to Erongo Medical Group chief executive officer Matthias Braune, under which … Read More

by Adam Hartman

MEDICAL interns and student nurses have expressed concern for their health should they be made to assist in an emergency national response to Covid-19 cases in the country.

Last Friday, a notice was issued by acting chief medical superintendent of the Windhoek Central Hospital Farid Zam, calling on all medical officers – professionals and interns – to make themselves available for assignment to “rapid response teams” in light of the four Covid-19 cases confirmed in the country.

The rapid response teams are part of the health ministry’s comprehensive plan to … Read More

Nampol implements Covid-19 measures

THE Namibian Police, after the declaration of a state of emergency, has noticed that not all members of the public are adhering to the recommended measures to minimise the spread of Covid-19. According to inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga, people continue meeting in public spaces, such as restaurants, churches, bars, shebeens and other similar locales, ignoring the potential risk. “A similar situation has also been noted at open markets and stalls where vendors display and sell their goods, including, although not limited to, fresh produce, under very unhygienic conditions,” said Ndeitunga in a media release yesterday. He … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue and Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE government yesterday announced a partial lockdown for the Khomas and Erongo regions, effective from Friday.

This follows seven confirmed cases of Covid-19. This means internal travel restrictions will apply for a period of 21 days starting on Friday, 27 March 2020 to Thursday, 16 April 2020.

At a press conference yesterday, president Hage Geingob announced that confirmed Covid-19 cases had reached seven, with three Namibians and four foreigners.

The … Read More

Shun church or ‘go to hell’, Zimbabwe government warns

HARARE — A Zimbabwe government spokesman warned people against flocking to church on Sunday in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, and even claimed that worshippers risked going to hell. “A quick survey around town (in the capital Harare) shows a lot of religious activity above 100 people,” Zimbabwe government spokesman Nick Mangwana said on Twitter. “Let’s be responsible. All of us will die. And then go to hell,” he said. The Zimbabwe government has banned gatherings of more than 100 people to ward off the spread of the new coronavirus … Read More

JOHANNESBURG-DAKAR — People globally are being told to wash their hands to fight the spread of coronavirus but in Africa many cannot, experts said, urging states to use the pandemic as a reason to finally push for improvements to water supplies.

Aid workers and advisers said countries should seize the moment ahead of World Water Day, which was on Sunday. to reinforce water security on a continent hit by frequent droughts and where many people do not have access to a sink.

“In the water sector we always say ‘Don’t waste a good crisis’,” said Inga Jacobs-Mata, the South African … Read More

Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus 

NEW YORK — Former Hollywood producer and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for coronavirus while in prison. He is now in isolation, according to Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. Weinstein was found guilty of rape and sexual assault last month and sentenced to 23 years in prison. His lawyers have vowed to appeal against his conviction. Weinstein is being held at Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo in upstate New York. Two prisoners at the facility tested positive for the virus on Sunday, … Read More

by Rochelle Neidel 

WHILE many organisations are telling their employees to calm down and stay at home, there may be a silver lining for logistics and agriculture industries as the demand for food and basic amenities rise. 

When it comes down to it, large-scale epidemics are not new, and businesses have survived worse. And maintaining excellent supply chain management during a potential epidemic is a necessity for logistics companies.

As farmers and active participants of the growth process of our economy, we should remain resilient but more importantly clued up on every impact created by socio-economic changes caused by a … Read More

Rundu Ngandu festival postponed

ORGANISERS of the Ngandu festival at Rundu have postponed the second edition of the annual event to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The festival was slated to take place on 10 and 11 April this year. Founder of the Ngandu event Andreas Gustav announced on Sunday that the festival, estimated to attract 2 000 to 5 000 attendees this year, provides a platform for artists, entrepreneurs and athletes from the two Kavango regions to sell and grow their product offerings. Gustav added that a new date for the festival would be announced and … Read More

JINAN – Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has tested positive for COVID-19, his Chinese Super League (CSL) club Shandong Luneng announced yesterday.The 32-year-old former Belgian international reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus on  20 March after taking a train to Jinan, and has been put into medical isolation.Fellaini is reportedly the only player in the CSL to have contracted the disease, which has afflicted more than 260 000 people across the world.Notable footballing figures to have been … Read More

We can turn the tide on coronavirus crisis – Johnson
LONDON – The UK can “turn the tide” on the coronavirus crisis within 12 weeks, prime minister Boris Johnson has said. But pressed on what he meant by the three-month timescale, he said he did not know how long it would go on for. He said trials on a vaccine were expected to begin within a month and warned he would “enforce” Londoners to be kept apart “if necessary”. Earlier, in a message to the nation, Queen Elizabeth urged people to come together for the common good. Speaking at 10 … Read More

Music star Mabélé dies ‘from coronavirus’
PARIS – Congolese music star Aurlus Mabélé has died in hospital in France’s capital Paris, aged 67. Posts on social media from friends and relatives say he died of the coronavirus but this is not confirmed. His fans called him the king of soukous – a high-tempo Congolese dance music popular across Africa. His daughter, French singer Liza Monet, tweeted on Thursday that her father had died of the coronavirus. “I am inconsolable” she wrote. Fellow member of the supergroup Loketo, Mav Cacharel, also said on Facebook that he had died of … Read More

by Adam Hartman

ALTHOUGH digital banking was introduced some time ago, the concept is getting a boost with the onset of Covid-19, as self-isolation and social distancing are forcing people to consider new ways of doing business.
Namibia has three confirmed cases of the virus which is spread through contact from one infected person to another, and has no known cure.
President Hage Geingob last week declared a state of emergency after the first two positive cases were identified.
This has resulted in measures that are dominated by exercising hygiene, restricted movement and maintaining safe social distances.
Mario Poolman of … Read More

DESPITE the recent tumble in the global financial market in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it is still too early to tell if a global financial crisis has arrived, a vicegovernor of China’s central bank said over the weekend. Chen Yulu, vice governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), notedthat a global financial crisis, besides causing continued panic market collapse, usually triggers the bankruptcyof key financial institutions and severe damage to the real economy. Many countries have introduced countermeasures against the market turbulence, and their effects remain to be observed, Chen said. Both the virus pandemic and … Read More

by Roxane Bayer

THE City of Windhoek handed over 25 toilets – three in the Sonderwater area of Katutura and another 22 in the Khomasdal constituency.
Windhoek mayor Fransina Kahungu handed over the toilets in Katutura on Friday.
“The importance of providing secured, sufficient and sustainable sanitation for many of those living in towns and cities cannot be overemphasised,” said Kahungu.
According to Kahungu, Namibia developed a national strategy in 2009 to provide sustainable sanitation services for households in the country.
However, 14% of citizens living in urban areas practise open defecation, while 77% of people living in … Read More

by Roxane Bayer

Angolan president advises against unnecessary trips
ANGOLAN president João Lourenço has advised people not to take unnecessary trips to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Lourenço made the remarks at Namibia’s 30th independence celebrations and president Hage Geingob’s inauguration. “As for this trip, it is necessary and it cannot be postponed, I have decided to travel to Windhoek to attend this very important ceremony. We are here because 30 years ago, on a day like this, the people of Namibia celebrated their independence,” he said.

NMC will only pay for positive test results
THE Namibia Medical … Read More

by Sakeus Iikela

THE ruling party Swapo on Friday expelled dentist-turned-politician Panduleni Itula, who contested last year’s presidential election as an independent candidate, for allegedly working with “counter-revolutionary forces” to destroy and weaken the organisation.
Itula, who until his expulsion was a Swapo member, received 29% of the votes and lost the election to Swapo candidate Hage Geingob who garnered 56% of the votes.
Itula has since unsuccessfully challenged the outcome of that election in the Supreme Court.
His expulsion, according to a letter by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa dated 19 March 2020, was decided at a politburo meeting … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo and Terttu Newaka

PEOPLE who were quarantined on arrival into Namibia from The Netherlands on Saturday, have described the conditions at the facility they are being kept, as deplorable and inhumane.
The aircraft carrying 35 people returning to Namibia from coronavirus-hit Europe landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Saturday morning. The plane belongs to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which is the flag carrier airline of The Netherlands
The group include Namibians and residence permit holders.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, one of the quarantined persons described the conditions at the facility as terrible and inhumane, adding … Read More

The major sports events around the world that have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic include:

OLYMPICS

* The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators.

* The Olympic Games flame handover in Athens will be done in an empty stadium on 19 March.

* The Hellenic Olympic Committee suspended the remainder of the torch relay through Greece to avoid attracting crowds.

OLYMPIC TRIALS

* US trials for wrestling (April 4-5) were postponed.

* US Rowing postponed its team trials.

* US diving trials (April 3-5) were postponed. All USA diving events postponed for … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue 

BUSINESS and finance communities have stepped up measures to mitigate and protect their staff and customers against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that has become a global pandemic.

Globally, the coronavirus cases are reported at 221 579, with deaths at 8 999, while 85 785 people have recovered.

In a statement, Trustco Group Holdings’ spokesperson, Neville Basson, said the company has banned international business travel for all its employees as a coronavirus preventative measure.

Other measures include mandatory seasonal flu vaccines for all staff and relaxation of the sick leave policy of the group to ensure that compliance … Read More

Government has roped in the uniformed forces to help mitigation efforts against coronavirus.

by Arlana Shikongo

HEALTH professionals, logisticians and other multi-disciplinary experts from the uniformed forces will be assigned to work with the ministry of health and the National Health Emergency Management Committee on duties pertaining to the coronavirus outbreak.

Cabinet on Tuesday instituted these measures as part of it’s decisions on tackling the rapidly spreading virus, following president Hage Geingob declaration of a state of emergency.

The uniformed forces include defence officials, the Namibian Police and Correctional Services officers.

Cabinet also said funds will be made available for … Read More

by Roxane Bayer

No more taxi and learners’ licences until mid-April

THE Roads Authority Namibia, to minimise the risk of exposing clients and staff to the coronavirus, has suspended all new applications for learner drivers’ licences and road carrier permits for domestic passengers (taxi permits) until 15 April. Classes for learner drivers will also be reduced to 15 per session. The 2 790 learners’ tests booked until the end of this month will be attended to in smaller groups. NaTIS offices, where the bookings were made, will contact booked individuals with the new arrangements. Replacements and duplicates of passenger transport permits, … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

NAMIBIA has recorded its third case of a coronavirus infection, after a 61-year-old German national who travelled to Namibia tested positive for the virus.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula told a press conference in Windhoek yesterday that the German man arrived in Windhoek on 13 March from Zimbabwe. He had first travelled to Amsterdam from Germany on 23 … Read More

NEW YORK – Kevin Durant is reportedly among four Brooklyn Nets players who have tested positive for the new coronavirus and are in isolation.

The injured Durant, who has yet to play for the Nets since signing for the club last year, confirmed to The Athletic website he had tested positive for the virus.

“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this,” Durant was quoted as saying.

News that the two-time NBA Finals MVP was among those who had contracted the virus came soon after the Nets confirmed four players had tested … Read More

by Brian Homewood

BERN – After months of bickering over new competitions, talks of closed super leagues and complaints of greed by elite clubs, football’s leaders have buried their differences to tackle the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

On Tuesday, Uefa agreed to delay its flagship Euro 2020 competition for one year to allow domestic leagues to complete their seasons, once football resumes, and Fifa in turn recommended postponing its new Club World Cup from 2021.

“It was a relatively short call, probably the most united front of opinion I have seen in European football so far,” said Jonas Baer-Hoffmann, … Read More

Zim declares disaster state, no confirmed Covid-19 cases

HARARE — Zimbabwe’s president has declared a state of national disaster as the country anticipates the impact of the novel coronavirus, even though there are no confirmed infections there. Anadulo Agency reported that the action came after a UK tourist tested positive following a trip to Victoria Falls. It reported that president Emmerson Mnangagwa issued a proclamation on Tuesday, banning gatherings of more than 100 people. The action echoes measures taken in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a sombre call to action on Sunday as the number of infections … Read More

by Alan Baldwin

LONDON – The coronavirus has brought sport to a standstill but the virtual world is seizing the opportunity to fill the void, with athletes rushing to join online gamers as demand and viewing figures soar.

Darren Cox, president and CEO of Torque e-sports and founder of www.the-race.com that organised an all-star race last Sunday after the Australian Formula One Grand Prix was cancelled, has never seen anything like it.

“It feels like I’ve done two Le Mans weeks, back to back. We haven’t slept,” he told Reuters.

“We’re back on to the next one, … Read More

by Lazarus Amukeshe

THE International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva is calling on commercial banks to renegotiate some loans for stressed borrowers whose businesses are affected by Covid-19.

The call is part of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) policy recommendations set to help guide countries in the difficult days ahead.

Georgieva said, while it is true that some countries are harder hit than others, solidarity is needed more than ever and polices that talk to each other across the board have the ability to lessen the virus’s effect.

“While quarantining and social distancing is the right … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

HEALTH minister Kalumbi Shangula yesterday revealed that as of 17 March  only two of the 24 suspected cases of coronavirus tested positive.

He said this during a weekly press briefing held in Windhoek yesterday.

The two cases that tested positive was the Romanian couple, and no new confirmed case has been reported so far.

“As of yesterday, a cumulative number of 24 suspected cases were reported in Namibia and all of them were tested. Four were tested by a private laboratory of which two tested negative and two tested positive. The latter was … Read More

by Ndanki Kahiurika

MOST businesses that depend on large gatherings are battling to survive in the face of the 30-day ban to raise enough rent, staff salaries and to keep the business running.

At several restaurants and hangout places in Windhoek, employers spoke of how they were trying to continue businesses without placing themselves or their workers at a disadvantage.

Ruvinoh Graig, the general manager of MoJoe’s Lounge at Windhoek’s Game shopping centre said business has been slow.

She said her employees were carrying on their daily duties, upholding hygiene with disinfection every now and then.

She, however, said the … Read More

by Okeri Ngutjinazo

THE Social Security Commission has placed 13 of its workers under self-quarantine after they were in contact with an employee who recently travelled on the same flight with Namibia’s two confirmed coronavirus cases. 

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula on Saturday announced the country’s first confirmed coronavirus cases after a Romanian couple who arrived in the country last Wednesday was confirmed to be carrying the coronavirus. 

 The results were received on Friday evening.  Shangula said the couple came from Madrid, Spain, via Doha, Qatar, before coming to Namibia through the Hosea Kutako International Airport. 

Social Security Commission … Read More

OFF LIMITS … A sign at the entrace to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Wind- hoek states that the health facility is not a centre for testing for coronavirus. Instead, the hospital advices the public to get tested using other centres, such as the mobile clinic parked in front of the hospital. Path-

Care and NHP, in partnership with Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek are operating a mobile clinic in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. PathCare staff members Anna Kaulnawoye and Maravilha Pedro say they are ready to assist people at the mobile clinic testing for the coronavirus. … Read More

by Charmaine Ngatjiheue

THE guest house worker who came into contact with the Romanian couple from Spain that tested positive for the novel coronavirus says her family is being stigmatised and discriminated against by their community.

“They are referring to us as the coronavirus family. They saw the commotion going on around our house when we were informed about the couple that tested positive,” the worker, who is only identified as Kasuko, said.

In a telephonic interview with The Namibian, Kasuko (20) recounted meeting the couple, saying she came into close contact with them and even touched a few … Read More

by HELGE SCHÜTZ

SPORTING events in Namibia have gone into lockdown following the coronavirus pandemic which has now also reached Namibia. 

The chief administrator of the Namibia Sport Council, Freddy Mwiuya, yesterday announced that all national and international events had been called off with immediate effect. 

“Following president Geingob’s announcement on Saturday to call off all large gatherings in Namibia, we have decided that all national and international sporting events will be suspended with immediate effect for a period of 30 days,” he said. 

“This doesn’t mean that sportsmen and women should stop training. They can still do so on … Read More

by Staff Reporter

The organisers of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) and organisers of the 30th Independ- ence Day concert have cacelled the NAMA nomination launch and postponed the 30th independence concert, after president hage Gein- gob announced a suspension of big gatherings on Saturday.

Geingob made the statement after two cases of cornonavirus has been confirmed in Namibia.

The NAMA nomination launch that was scheduled to take place on 27 March, will no longer be held. The event brings together over 600 artistes. This year … Read More

by Martin Muhleisen and Tobias Adrian

INDIVIDUALS infected by the coronavirus potentially face a blow to their health and personal and economic well-being.

Similarly, countries hit by a sudden and unexpected public health emergency – as the coronavirus is proving to be-can see their economies slow and their budgets squeezed as they spend more to counter the impact of the virus.

At the same time, they may experience a drop in revenue from a decline in economic activity. Countries could also face lower export revenues due to falling tourism receipts or a decline in commodity prices.

A sudden halt in … Read More