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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6859 FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Whole country to go Governor Andre’s first into Covid-19 lockdown public appointment in his Estelle de Bruyn hometown Walvis Bay As the end of the lockdown periods of the Khomas- and Erongo Regions approach, a comprehensive new countrywide lockdown plan kicks into action. Without leaving time from transition from one lockout to the next, the new plan will commence the moment the current lockdown arrangement expires. The Namibian Police in Erongo warned yesterday people should understand once the current lockdown ends, the new countrywide lockdown with new arrangements comes into force without delay. This comprehensive new plan divides Namibia into ten control zones, comprising 69 lockdown points. These zones keep into consideration the interdependency of the various regions' main economic activities. International borders remain closed with the exception of those staying operational by special arrangements. “Regular patrols along the common borders with neighbouring countries will continue to prevent any illegal border crossing at any non-gazetted points of entry into Namibia,” an official document announcing the new measures reads. During the extended lockdown period command and control for managing the crisis will be vested with the designated zone commanders. They will report to the National Joint Operational Centre Commander. Lockdown checkpoints will be established between zones, to ensure that unnecessary vehicle and foot movements are restricted. Existing road traffic checkpoints will remain. In the Erongo region these checkpoints will be on the Karibib-Okahandja road; at the Walvis Bay-Naukluft checkpoint; on the Omaruru-KalkveldOtjiwarongo road and on the Uis- Khorixas road leading to the Kunene region. These new measures also include security patrols and sensitisation campaigns that will be conducted in the cities, towns and localities within the established lockdown zones, throughout the lockdown period and state of emergency to ensure that people stay at home, maintain social distancing and avoid big gathering. All the rest of the lockdown rules will also apply with the new lockdown. That includes essential services, allowable reasons to leave your place of residence, a ban on the sale of alcohol and other measures as is applicable since the first lockdown commenced on 28 March.
Search is on....
Namibia's health authorities have embarked upon a campaign to trace all 118 passengers who have been allowed into Namibia on two flights, respectively on 25 and 26 March this year, without being quarantined as a safety precaution against the spread of the Coronavirus. The authorities are using the passenger lists and arrival forms as source documents to trace telephone numbers and addresses. Namib Times understood some of the passengers had been located and are now subjected to the necessary processes to be tested as well as other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. It was understood these passengers are also required to provide details of people they were in contact with. These people will also be traced, tested and processed accordingly.
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Old TB-ward becomes Covid-19 isolation ward
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The newly appointed Governor of Erongo, Clr Neville Andre (pictured above), had his first official appointment in Walvis Bay, his native town, on Wednesday. The Governor, who assumed office on Monday, officiated at the handover of an oxygen plant by CNCC Rössing Uranium for the Covid-19 field hospital that is currently established at the Walvis Bay state hospital. Clr Andre took over the reins from Mr Cleopas Mutjavikua.
Fishing industry to resume its work Regulations to govern Covid-19 safety rules to come into force
Rössing handover of an oxygen generator plant to the new COVID19 isolation facility in Walvis
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Locker vom Hocker
Namibia’s fishing industry is due to get back into full operation, following announcement earlier this week by President Hage Geingob the industry is an essential service and should be allowed to operate during the Covid-19 lockdown period which remains in place till 4 May this year. Work would resume both at sea and at land based fish processing plants at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. An agreement was reached between the fishing industry (facilitated by the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations) and trade unions representing fishing industry workers. The agreement among others set safety standards on land and sea to protect workers from a Coronavirus infection. At the time of going to press yesterday, the fishing industry has not yet started to operate, as regulations to enforce the safety rules the fishing industry has to abide by to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus was not yet gazetted into law.
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Equipment and supporters gear launch
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