Albertina Nakale

As India is experiencing a catastrophic surge in Covid-19 cases, no Namibian living in the Asian nation is reported to have contracted the deadly virus that is killing millions of people around the globe. 

As at yesterday, India’s coronavirus caseload topped 20 million, while 350 000 new cases were reported on Tuesday. In India alone, over 220 000 people have died from the virus. India’s healthcare infrastructure has struggled to cope with the huge number of cases, with deep shortages of medicines, hospital beds and medical oxygen. In an interview with New Era this week, Namibian High Commissioner to India Gabriel Sinimbo confirmed the severity of the Covid-19 situation but assured that Namibians are safe.

There are 114 Namibian nationals in India who are registered with the mission.

“So far, we remain safe. Namibian nationals comprising officials of the Namibian High Commission with our families are based in the capital, New Delhi,” said Sinimbo. “The remainder of our nationals are mainly students studying at different universities across India. Though India is a large country, we remain in contact with our nationals. At this point, no Covid case has been brought to our attention nor that any Namibian is hospitalised.”

He said the high commission have and continue to encourage Namibian nationals to abide to the lockdown and all safety precautionary measures so that they can remain safe, most particularly to avoid outdoor activities. Equally, he noted, the students are continuing with their online classes, which he says is great.

India postponed exams for trainee doctors and nurses on Monday, freeing them up to fight the world’s biggest surge in coronavirus infections, as the health system crumbles under the weight of new cases and hospitals run out of beds and oxygen.

Medical experts say actual numbers in India could be five to 10 times higher than those reported. In many cases, volunteer groups have come to the rescue. – anakale@nepc.com.na