Namibia's Geingob Extends Regulations As Covid-19 Cases Surge

"Notwithstanding the countrywide tightening of restrictions, to suppress the spread of the disease, the rate of transmission and positivity ratio remains high, averaging 41% over the past 2 weeks. This situation, left unabated, can become unmanageable. We can therefore protect our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed, by reducing the rate of transmission", the president has said.

Current measures will be maintained and the current public health regulations will be extended from July 15, for a period of 14 days until July 29, 2021.

He added that Namibia has crossed two significant milestones over the past 14-day observance period. "We have exceeded 100,000 cumulative cases and over 2,000 deaths have been recorded due to Covid-19 and related illnesses," he said.

During his speech Geingob announced that the U.S. had pledged to donate 168,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; Norway pledged 3,2 million face masks, 3 million gloves, and 1 million protective gowns; and Belgium, has pledged to donate 125,600 face masks, in assisting the nation battle the Covid-19 pandemic.  "Germany delivered one of three consignments consisting of 300,000 protective gowns; 60 high-care beds; 40,000 rapid tests; 20,000 protective eyewear and 500,000 face masks. A further 15 million masks, 50 ventilators, and Astra Zeneca vaccines have been pledged to Namibia by the German Government," he said, adding that Finland also delivered 2,3 million face masks, testing swabs, and protective gear and equipment.