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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6895 WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2020 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Community mourns Only we can make Paul van der Merwe Covid-19 in 2021
the difference.....
Walvis Bay mourns the passing of Mr Paul van der Merwe, one of the country’s leading diving services operators and ship salvage expert. The late Mr van der Merwe has been battling ill health for several years, and passed away in his sleep at his residence in 5th Street on Tuesday afternoon.
The rascal of the calendar, also known as Year 2020, is in its final days. Tens of thousands of people at the coast are ready to settle into the festive mood. Quality time with family and friends. Time to spend lazy hours along the beach, at camping spots or just relax at home. To each and everyone of you: your holiday break is well-deserved. 2020 was not an easy year for most people, as the Covid-19 pandemic tightened its grip on our people’s lives, families, our health and on society including the economy. The good news though is we can determine how 2020 ends. We had no power over how the year started. We had no power to change its course. However, by sticking to certain fundamental behaviour now, we can overcome the crisis and look forward to normalising our situation in 2021. From the Directors of the Namib Times, management and staff, it is our sincere wish for all our readers and advertisers to take a well-deserved rest. As responsible citizens, we need to take each other’s safety and well being into consideration when we go about our holiday activities. That include safety on our roads, safety along the beaches, and to refrain from behaviours that endanger our health or lives, our environment and that of others. There rests an unprecedented responsibility on each of us to take extra caution to curb the spread of the Coronavirus as we enjoy our holidays. Wearing face masks in public is crucial. Regularly sanitising of hands, social distancing and avoiding crowded places are crucial if we want to end 2020 well by curbing the second wave. Stay safe and keep well. The Namib Times will publish its first edition of the new year on 8 January 2021. Our offices, both in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, open for business on Wednesday 6 January.
Covid-19: Situation remains critical
Two more in the dock for Fishrot scandal
Two accused have been added to the current line-up of Fishrot accused. Otneel Shuudifonya and Phillipus Mwapopi arrived at the offices of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Windhoek on Tuesday, accompanied by their lawyer Milton Engelbrecht. Warrants of arrest have been issued several days ago. Shuudifonya works for the Otjozondjupa Regional Council and Mwapopi is employed by the Windhoek City Police. After a brief appearance in the Windhoek magistrates court, the two accused were remanded in custody pending their next pre-trial appearance in a Windhoek court on 22 April 2021.
Alert:
Erongo remains second Health Minister briefs nation at 15:00 worst hit Region Namibia reported 330 new Covid-19 confirmed cases in a 24-hour period between Monday and Tuesday. Despite recording only 20 new cases from this total figures, Erongo Region is the second worst hit region with 326 cases the past week alone. Inhabitants and visitors in Erongo are cautioned that Covid-19 infection is
real. Safety protocols need to be adhered to at all times, in order to prevent the situation worsening. Of the 20 new cases for Erongo, 7 were reported in Omaruru, 7 at Usakos, 4 at Walvis Bay and 2 at Swakopmund. The public is urged to
wear facemasks properly when entering public places. The regular sanitising of hands are crucial to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and people are urged to always observe social distancing and not risk being exposed to crowded places.
Namibia’s health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula will address the nation at 15:00 today from State House in Windhoek on the latest situation with the country’s Covid-19 response measures. The briefing will be broadcast live on NBC 1. Business owners, in particular restaurants and other places where people socialise are urged to maintain Covid-19 safety measures. That includes adhering to closing times as well as the maximum number of people
allowed in venues, both indoor and outdoor. Following the latest figures, Namibia at the time of going to press yesterday stood at a total of 19 629 cases, of which a total of 16 317 people has recovered.
That represents a recovery rate of 83 % The recovery rate for the country stood at 97 % just over a week ago, indicating a worsening situation if Namibians and visitors alike don't pay heed to Covid-19 safety measures.
inside From shack to 4-roomed house
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Fireworks display on New Years Eve
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Councillors treat the elderly for Xmas
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Sports News Page 12