4 000 tourist arrivals post-lockdown
The country did not have an influx of visitors since the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown, with only 4 164 tourists arriving in the country as part of the tourism revival initiative that started in September.
Since the tourism revival initiative protocols got implemented, Namibia’s tourism industry has been seeing some bookings across the country from international tourists.
“We have seen more tourists coming to Namibia as a safe destination. Since the start of the implementation of the tourism revival initiative, 4 164 tourists have arrived in the country.
Only three tourists among these arrivals with a 72-hours valid Covid-19 negative results have tested positive for Covid-19 to date,” health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said yesterday during the last Covid-19 response briefing, which was addressed by President Hage Geingob.
Shangula said Namibia’s requirement for a 72-hours valid PRC negative test has eliminated potential infective tourists coming to the country. The health ministry initiated a response strategy as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines to support Namibia’s preparedness.
The tourism sector remains one of the hardest hit sectors as the country secured borders to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, President Geingob yesterday announced that public gatherings would still be capped to a maximum of 200 people.
He encouraged members of the public to arrange and host all public gatherings outdoors, with a register of attendees maintained.
The measures are effective today and will lapse on 25 January. Equally, Geingob announced all non-Namibian travellers arriving in the country are required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result from the country of departure, which is not older than 72 hours.
However, he said, this requirement does not apply to children under the age of five.
Non-Namibian travellers arriving with a negative result, which is older than 72 hours, will be placed in quarantine and tested for Covid-19 on the same day, at their own cost. “If results come out negative, they will be released from quarantine.
If positive, they will be isolated at their own cost, according to Namibia’s isolation protocols,” he said.
Returning Namibians may enter the country without a Covid-19 PCR test result or with a positive result. Geingob clarified in cases of arrival without a Covid-19 test result, one will be swabbed immediately upon arrival while observing quarantine and if the result comes out negative, they will be released from quarantine. A Namibian who arrives with a positive Covid-19 PCR test result will be isolated at a designated isolation facility or home isolation, subject to approval after assessment by an authorised medical officer. Sale of alcohol by shebeens, bars, and nightclubs shall be extended to midnight. The businesses must ensure physical distancing, while all business premises must be equipped with functional handsanitiser dispensers, at all times. Geingob said it will no longer be required to keep registers of persons visiting retailers and other shops. “Registers should, however, be maintained at public events such as weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, sports and entertainment events,” he noted.
The head of state further urged Namibians to adhere to all precautions in order to protect themselves, communities and loved ones from the virus as the festive season looms. “The public health measures remain the most powerful weapon we have at our disposal. They always need to be observed and enforced. As we enjoy the festivities during this holiday season, I caution that we must continue to observe physical distancing, maintaining hand hygiene by washing and sanitizing at all times. Also, remember that wearing your mask correctly is mandatory,” he reminded.