Covid-19: Namibia introduces new mitigation measures for 14 days! [update]

update (06 July 2021): As part of the new tourist dispensation guidelines, there will be no travel restrictions applicable to international tourists once they comply with the provisions outlined in the appended protocols. See the "Tourism Guidelines applicable from 01 July to 15 July 2021" as issued by Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism:

update (05 July 2021):  According to Government Gazette No.7568 (Government Notice No. 138 Amendment of Public Health Covid-19 General Regulations: Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015), a person may not enter into or depart from one zone to another zone [see page 6 of Government Gazette No.7568], unless that person is a tourist entering a zone for tourism purposes and the person has presented a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result on entry into Namibia.

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 30th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 30 June 2021 that the existing Public Health Regulations (as of 15 June 2021), which are set to expire today (30 June 2021), are getting adjusted. The adjustments will come into force at midnight today, Wednesday 30 June 2021, for a period of fourteen (14) days until 15 July 2021. The follwing measures are designed to curtail the further spread of Covid-19 after 30 June 2021:

• No travel will be permitted between Namibia's regions, however travel within regions, will be permitted. Returning residents, essential service providers, emergency medical cases and transportation of human remains for burial purposes, will be permitted entry and exit into restricted regions, with the relevant permit.
• Public Gatherings as defined in the Regulations will be maintained at ten (10) persons per event.
• The Curfew shall remain in force, however will be brought forward to commence from 21:00 to 04:00, daily.
• Education:
• All public and private schools (pre-primary up to grade 9), including Early Childhood Development Centres are currently on a special Winter Holiday until 26 July 2021.
• Face-to-Face classes for Grades 10, 11 and 12 will be suspended countrywide, as part of the Winter Holiday, from the 1st until 16 July 2021.
• Face-to-Face classes for Higher Education Institutions including Vocational Education Training Providers are also suspended for the period.  All examinations for tertiary students will be undertaken online.
• Restrictions related to liquor:
• The sale of liquor in Namibia is restricted from 09:00 to 18:00, Mondays to Thursdays, on a take-away basis only, with exception of hospitality establishments such as guesthouses, hotels and similar establishments where residing guests may access on-site amenities.
• No alcohol outlet will be permitted to operate on Fridays to Sundays.
• All food establishments are to serve food on a take-way basis only, including restaurants, food vendors and kapana traders.
• Hair Dressers, Tailors, Beauty Parlors will remain open, subject to strict adherence to Public Health Regulations. Not more than ten (10) persons will be permitted inside an establishment, at a time, and all persons must comply to the mandatory wearing of face masks and maintain physical distance of 1.5 meters or more.
• Under the circumstances, Gambling Houses, Night Clubs, Gyms & Sports Clubs, public recreational spaces including playgrounds and swimming pools are all deemed to be high-risk and will not be permitted to operate.
• All contact sports as defined in the Regulations, remain prohibited.  For non-contact sports, no spectators will be permitted at live events.
• Passenger Restrictions:
• All road and air public transport operators will not be permitted to travel between regions, including long-haul operators and aircraft;
• Within regions, motorists may only load passengers to half the capacity of the motor vehicle.
• A special dispensation for tourists will be put in place. Further details will follow.
• Burials will be revised to take place within ten (10) days.