President Hage Geingob has implored members of his Cabinet to get vaccinated against Covid-19, saying the unvaccinated officials were undermining government’s efforts to combat the virulent pandemic.
Geingob, who was speaking at the last Cabinet meeting for the year last week, added Covid-19 will not be defeated if Namibians do not take personal responsibility against the pandemic.
“Those of you among us who are not vaccinated are reversing the gains we have made in the fight against Covid-19. Those among us who are not respecting the health protocols in place and refusing to wear masks and practice social distancing are reversing the gains we have made in our fight against Covid-19,” he said.
Covid-19 vaccinations in the country remain voluntary, although some private employers have imposed vaccine mandates to help curb the spread of the virus.
According to Geingob, government is truly committed to defeating the virus and returning towards focusing its efforts on nation-building and economic development.
“Government, through Cabinet, has provided the means for recovery, so let us meet each other halfway. We shall not defeat this deadly virus if we don’t take individual responsibility in this fight but in favour of the common good. Covid-19 is transmitted by human beings, and the pandemic is killing largely those who are unvaccinated,” he indicated.
The threat of a fourth wave is also looming large, following Namibia’s detection of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted various government programmes, Geingob said the work of Cabinet has not suffered.
“Where we have had to stand in for one another, we have done so in admirable fashion. Where we have had to innovate and adopt technological means for decision-making, we have done so effectively. Indeed, during this war against the coronavirus, the spirit of Harambee has come to the fore and carried us through the storm,” he said.
He commended Cabinet members for responding to multiple crises with swiftness, resolve and purpose.
“In the midst of immense human loss, we have provided the nation with the reassurance of direction, order and security. In the eye of the storm, we have steered the ship towards calmer waters. Through your swift and decisive action, our nation has been able to avert a potential humanitarian disaster,” he said.