Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has reiterated calls for the public to adhere to the Covid-19 measures as positive cases pile up in the country.
According to Shangula, there was a significant increase in the number of confirmed cases across the country, which is worrisome especially that it is occurring when public health measures to combat Covid-19 were recently relaxed.
“We do not wish to return to a situation when it becomes imperative to re-introduce restrictive measures. We have seen the hardships restrictive measures cause to the individuals, the livelihoods and the economy. I, therefore, call on the public to adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures,” said Shangula.
He added that the significant rise in the number of confirmed cases across the country calls for extra steps to be taken.
“We re-emphasize to the general public the importance of observing Covid-19 prevention measures particularly as we approach the festive season. Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings,” he said.
The minister said last week the country has seen a consistently high trend of confirmed cases across the country, with Windhoek recording the highest numbers.
He added efforts need to be stepped up across the board to contain further spread of the Covid-19 infection.
“We call on the public to cease holding mass gatherings. They have been shown to facilitate the widespread transmission of Covid-19. The law enforcement agencies are requested to enforce the regulations on public gatherings as provided for under the Public and Environmental Health Act of 2015. Public gatherings shall not exceed 200 people,” said Shangula.
Yesterday, 128 new Covid-19 confirmed cases were identified from 1 680 results received from the laboratories.
The cases were recorded in Windhoek (69), Walvis Bay (7), Swakopmund (3), Otjiwarongo (13), Lüderitz (10), while Grootfontein, Onandjokwe and Katima Mulilo reported two cases each.
Usakos, Karasburg, Keetmanshoop, Khorixas and Oshakati reported one case each.
Shangula said that the cases from other regions include 16 learners, from SI! Gobs Secondary School in Omaruru and the other two learners from different schools.
On Friday, 181 new Covid-19 confirmed cases were identified from 1 540 results received from the laboratories with 117 coming from Khomas region alone, while on Saturday the country recorded 170 new cases.
–ljason@nepc.com.na