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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6897 FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
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Health care workers in grave danger
Namibia’s Covid-19 situation worsens
A total of 1 350 health workers have contracted the novel Coronavirus since the pandemic was first recorded in Namibia in mid-March 2020. Sadly, six of these health workers died of Covid-19, the often fatal form of a Coronavirus infection. These statistics were revealed by Namibia’s health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, on Wednesday during a televised update of the country’s Covid-19 situation. Dr Shangula pointed out the second wave of infections are putting more strain on the country’s medical infrastructure and more health care workers will be needed in the weeks and months to come.
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Namibia ready for Covid-vaccine Twenty percent of Namibians will receive the Covid-19 vaccine in the foreseeable future. That represents approximately 500 000 people. However, to achieve a herd immunity for the nation, as many as 60 % to 80 % of people need to be vaccinated.
Namibia’s health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, on Wednesday announced the first delivery of the vaccine is expected by the end of January or some time in February. This first batch has cost Government N$29 million and a Financial Commitment Agreement (FCA) has been signed for the procurement of the rest of the vaccines at a cost of around N$138 million. It is expected the first wave of vaccines will be administered to health workers and vulnerable people. For the purposes of Covid-19, vulnerable people are identified as above the age of 60, persons living with co-morbidities like high blood pressure and diabetes, expectant females, and children below the age of 10. The Covid-19 vaccine is by far not Namibia’s golden bullet out of trouble. In the weeks and months ahead, until the vaccines are delivered and distributed for a countrywide vaccination campaign, people still need to observe Covid-19 safety rules. A person can fall ill from the Coronavirus within days after being infected. Infected persons can end up severely ill requiring intensive medical care or could succumb to the disease. Note: at the time of going to press Namibia was in line to receive Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. What makes this vaccine’s distribution complicated, is the fact it needs to be transported and stored in minus 70 Degree Celsius. Dr Shangula gave his assurance on Wednesday that Namibia will be prepared logistically to roll out Pfizer at this extreme low temperature.
Health care workers and vulnerable vaccinated first
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