Covid-19: Namibia extends the current Public Health Regulations for another 30 days!

Namibia's Vice President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba announced on the occasion of the 40th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 14 February 2022 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and will be extended for a period of 30 days, from 16 February 2022 to 15 March 2022. According to the country's Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Kalumbi Shangula the number of attendees at public gatherings has been adjusted from 200 to 500 persons per event. The requirements for entry into Namibia have also been updated. Please see the excerpt below:

 

Covid-19: Namibia amends the current Public Health Regulations! [update]

update (24 January 2022): According to a "Public Notice" (No: 1/2022) by Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), persons with domicile status who have been fully vaccinated (valid and authentic vaccination certificate required) can enter Namibia without presenting a negative PCR test.

Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, announced on the occasion of the 39th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 13 January 2022 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and amended in light of the current Covid-19 situation in Namibia. The following regulations related to travel and tourism will come into force from 16 January 2022 to 15 February 2022*:

• Gatherings:
• The number of attendees at public gatherings will remain unchanged at not more than 200 persons per event.
• Curfew:
• The current epidemiological environment does not warrant the re-introduction of a curfew.
• Restrictions related to liquor:
• The measures related to the sale of liqour are retained without change.
• Business operations:
• Business owners shall continue to operate in line with the provisions of their business licenses. Business owners of restaurants, bars, kapanas, hair saloons and others mus enforce the compliance with Covid-19 protocols by employees such as the strict wearing of masks. It is also the duty of the clients to demand the wearing of masks by waitresses, hairdressers and other service providers. The wearing of masks by all in public space remains a mandatory requirement in Namibia.
• Public transport:
• Measures related to public transport remain unchanged.
• Requirements for entry in the country:
• Fully vaccinated Namibians, permanent residents and truck drivers will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test result upon entry into Namibia. The above mentioned categories of people can enter the country at any time with a valid and authentic vaccination card.
• For all other categories of travellers, including truck drivers who are not fully vaccinated, the validity of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result remains 72 hours from the time of the collection of the specimen to the time the individual presents her/hinself at the Point of Entry into Namibia.
• Non-Namibians who arrive with PCR test results older than 72 hours and are not in possession of a de-isolation certificate, will be denied entry in the country. Namibians who arrive without a valid PCR test result or a de-isolation certificate will be subjected to a PCR test at own cost at the Point of Entry and will be quarantined at own cost. Such traveller will be released from quarantine of the PCR test results are negative.
• Namibians and permanent residence permit holders who present positive PCR test results at Points of Entry may be allowed to proceed to the final destination and be subjected to isolation at own cost or to supervised home isolation provided that they have obtained approval for such supervised home isolation from the responsible officals at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS).
• As of now, random testing of travellers arriving Namibia will not be implemented. The situation will however be closely monitored and this may be revisited if the need arises.

*Should the epidemiological profile worsen, the measures may be reviewed at an earlier date.

Omicron variant: Namibia amends Public Health Regulations!

Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, announced on the occasion of the 38th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 14 December 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and amended in light of the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant of the corona virus in Namibia. The following regulations will come into force from 16 December 2021 to 15 January 2022*:

• Public gatherings in Namibia are adjusted to not more than 200 persons per event.
• No curfew will be introduced in Namibia.
• The measures related to the sale of liqour are retained without change.
• The measures related to business operations are retained without change.
• The measures related to public transport are retained without change. However, the Ministry of Health and Social Services will avail one million disposable face masks to the Ministry of Works and Transport for distribution to travellers in public transport vehicles during the festive season.
• PCR test results upon entry into Namibia:
• Validity of PCR Covid-19 rest results is reduced to 72 hours from time of hte collection of the specimen to the time the individual arrives in Namibia.
• Travellers (Namibians or Non-Namibians) who arrive with PCR test results that are older than 72 hours and are not in possession of a de-isolation certificate, will be subjected to a PCR test at own cost at the Port of Entry and will be quarantined at own cost. Such traveller will be released from quarantine if the PCR test results are negative.
• Namibians arriving with positive PCR results, where such traveller has not completed isolation or does not present a de-isolation certificate, such traveller will be subjected to quarantine at own cost or to supervised home quarantine provided that the traveller has obtained approval for such supervised home quarantine.
• Random Covid-19 PCR testing will be conducted on persons permitted entry into Namibia at Points of Entry.
• Genome sequencing will be carried out on samples that tested positive for Covid-19.
• Namibian citizens and permit holders may enter the country with or without 72-hour PCR test. Those who arrive in Namibia without a negative PCR test result will be subjected to quarantine at own cost or to supervised home quarantine provided that the travellers has obtained appoval for such supervised home quarantine.

*Should the epidemiological profile worsen, the measures may be reviewed at an earlier date.

Covid-19: Namibia extends reviewed (and relaxed) Public Health Regulations until 15 December 2021!

Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, announced on the occasion of the 36th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 12 November 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and the following eased regulations will come into force in Namibia from 16 November 2021 to 15 December 2021*.:

• Public gatherings: Public gatherings in Namibia are increased from the current 200 to 500 persons per event
• Sale of alcohol: Sale of alcohol in Namibia shall be subjected to the conditions of the licences issued under the Liquor Act of 1998 and the regulations made thereunder.
• Covid-19 test results upon entry: All persons presenting to enter Namibia at Ports of Entry under this regulation, but who were previously infected with Covid-19 and after having been isolated in countries of departures, still show positive results with the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at the Point of Entry into Namibia, will not be subjected to mandatory quarantine requirements, provided that such persons have valid de-isolation certificates, not older than three months from the date of discharge from isolation, issued by the health authority in the country of departure. The negative PCR test result for all other persons remains a mandatory requirement.
  

n.b.: Dr. Kalumbi Shangula also announced that the "Trusted Travel System" is expected to be fully operationalized at all designated paricipating Points of Entry by 01 December 2021.

*If the epidemiological profile remains static in Namibia, the measures extend automatically to 15 January 2022.
 

Covid-19: Namibia extends reviewed (and relaxed) Public Health Regulations until 15 November 2021!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 35th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 15 October 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and the following eased regulations will come into force in Namibia for a period of 30 days from 16 October 2021 until midnight, 15 November 2021.:

• Public gatherings as defined in the regulations have been adjusted to two hundred persons per event. Spectators at sporting events are permitted, up to 200 persons per event.
• The curfew in Namibia will be suspended altogether, allowing for greater economic activity, particularly with respect to long haul public transport operators and the entertainment industry.
• Restrictions related to liquor remain as is.
• Business operations: All recreational places in Namibia such as nightclubs, casinos, gambling houses, betting houses and gyms may continue operations as is - allowing patrons up to half capacity.
• Burials of persons who succumbed to Covid-19 or whose deaths are Covid-19 related must continue to take place within a period of ten days. On-site consumption of meals at all gatherings, including burials, will now be permitted. The restriction on the number of persons attending burials of 200, applies to mourners only, excluding essential workers.
• All citizens and business owners in Namibia are implored to enforce the Infection Control and Prevention measures of wearing a face mask, hand washing, physical distancing and avoiding overcrowding.

Covid-19: South Africa has moved to "Adjusted Alert Level 1"!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 30 September 2021 that the country's Cabinet has decided to move South Africa from Adjusted Alert Level 2 to Adjusted Alert Level 1. According to the President, the current trends in the progression of the pandemic mean that a number of the restrictions in place can be eased, as per the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19.
The following measures, which became effective at midnight last night, will apply as part of Adjusted Alert Level 1:

• The hours of the curfew in South Africa will change, from 00:00 midnight to 04:00.
• Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 23:00 to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
• The maximum number of people permitted to gather indoors will increase from 250 to 750, and the maximum number of people permitted to gather outdoors will increase from 500 to 2 000.
• Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.
• The maximum number of people permitted at a funeral will increase from 50 to 100. As before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
• The sale of alcohol in South Africa – for both off-site and on-site consumption – will be permitted, according to normal licence provisions. However, no alcohol may be sold after 23:00.
• The wearing of masks in public places in South Africa is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence.

Covid-19: Namibia extends reviewed Public Health Regulations until 15 October 2021!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 34th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 14 September 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and the following regulations will come into force for a period of 30 days from 16 September 2021 until midnight, 15 October 2021.:

• Public gatherings as defined in the regulations have been adjusted to one hundred and fifty persons per event. The number of spectators at sporting events is permitted, up to 150 spectators per event.
• The curfew in Namibia will be extended to begin from 23:00 to 04:00 daily.
• Restrictions related to liquor were relaxed mid-way during the current dispensation, to facilitate increased business activity. The measures related to the sale of liquor remain as per amendment of 06 September 2021. This means:
• Where the seller is a holder of an off-sales license, sales may take place from 09:00 until 22:00, Monday to Friday and from 09:00 until 13:00 on Saturday.
• Where the seller is a holder of an on-consumption license (such as Bars, Shebeens, Casinos, Gambling and Betting Houses), the sale of alcohol may take place from 09:00 until 22:00, Monday to Saturday. No sale of alcohol on Sunday and public holidays.
• Where the seller is a holder of an on-consumption license (such as Hotels, Restaurants and Accommodation establishments), the sale of liquor served with meals, is permitted from 09:00 until 22:00, Sunday to Sunday.
• Burials of persons who succumbed to COVID-19 or whose deaths are COVID-19 related must continue to take place within a period of ten (10) days and all meals must continue to be served, on take away basis. The restriction on the number of persons attending public gatherings capped at 150 persons per gathering applies to mourners only, excluding essential workers.

Covid-19: South Africa moves to "Adjusted Alert Level 2"!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 12 September 2021 that based on the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19, which have been discussed at the National Coronavirus Command Council and with Premiers, mayors and traditional leaders in the President’s Coordinating Council, the Cabinet of South Africa has decided to move the country from Adjusted Alert Level 3 to Adjusted Alert Level 2 with effect from 13 September 2021. This means that:

• The hours of curfew will now start at 23:00 and end at 04:00.
  
• Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 22:00. This is to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
• All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
• Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
• This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.
• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday.
• Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 22:00.
• Alcohol consumption remains prohibited in public spaces.
  

These measures will be reviewed in two weeks time depending on the state of the pandemic in South Africa.

Several important measures remain in place:

• It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth when in public spaces.
• It is a criminal offence not to do so, and the managers of shops and restaurants as well as drivers of taxis and buses have a responsibility to ensure that their customers wear masks, and that the appropriate social distancing measures are in place.
• Funerals remain restricted to no more than 50 people, and, as before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.

Covid-19: Namibia has ammended the current Public Health Regulations!

Namibia's Minister of Health and Public Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has amended the Public Health Covid-19 General Regulations published under Government Notice No. 91 of 30 April 2021. According to the ammendments, persons intending to enter Namibia now need to present to an authorised person a SARS-CoV2 PCR test result from the country of departure, which is issued by a laboratory that is certified in the country of issue to issue SARS-CoV2 PCR test results and that is not older than seven days calculated from the date the sample for testing was taken. Dr. Shangula also amended the following regulations:

• Liquor stores are now permitted to sell alcohol for offsite consumption between 09:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday and between 09:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays.
• Holders of an on-consumption licence are allowed to sell liquor between 09:00 and 22:00 from Mondays to Saturdays. 
• Shebeens are allowed to sell alcohol on site between 09:00 and 21:00 from Mondays to Saturdays. 
• Accommodation establishments and restaurants are also allowed to sell liquor on Sundays and Public Holidays, but only to residing guests (accommodation establishments) and to its customers (restaurants) for on-site consumption until 22:00.

For more information see the embedded Government Notice No. 189 below.

Covid-19: Namibia extends the adjusted Public Health Regulations until 14 September 2021!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 33rd Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 13 August 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and some adjustments were proposed. The following regulations will come into force in Namibia, for an extended period of 31 days from Sunday, 15 August 2021 until midnight, Tuesday, 14 September 2021.

• Public gatherings as defined in the regulations have been adjusted to 100 persons per event.
• The curfew in Namibia will remain in force from 22:00 to 04:00 daily.
• Education: All schools and educational institutions in Namibia will operate at full capacity, with strengthened Infection prevention and control measures in place.
• Restrictions related to liquor:
• The sale of liquor in Namibia remains restricted, on take-away basis between 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, except for those hospitality establishments that have resident guests.
• The sale of alcohol remains in Namibia prohibited on Saturday to Sunday, except at restaurants, guesthouses and similar establishments with resident guests. On-site consumption of alcohol is allowed with meals at restaurants until 22:00.
• Business operations:
• Gyms, nightclubs, casinos, gambling and betting houses may resume operations, allowing patrons up to half capacity. The number of persons inside a facility may not exceed 50% floor carrying capacity or 100 persons at any one time.
• All contact sports may resume, however without spectators. Management of the various sports codes must ensure the safety of sports persons and staff, during training and games.
• Motor vehicle passenger restrictions remain in force, loading public transport vehicles at half capacity. Vehicles that are transporting tour groups who are travelling together may load such tourists at full capacity.
• Burials: due to COVID-19 must take place within a period of ten days, all the current burial related regulations remain in force. The number of 100 persons per gathering applies to mourners, excluding essential workers.

According to Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, the following regulations are in place for Covid-19 test results upon entry into Namibia:

• A person who enters Namibia with a negtive SARS-COV-2 PCR test result which is older than 72 hours, calculated from the date when the sample for testing was taken, will be subjected to mandatory supervised quarantine for seven days and Covid-19 testing, at his or her own cost.
• Persons who depart from Namibia with a negative Antigen Rapid Diagnostic test result or a negative PCR test result and re-enter Namibia within seven days from the date the sample was taken for testing are not subject to PCR testing on re-entry into Namibia. This applies also to truck drivers.
• Non-Namibians may enter Namibia either with a PCR negative result or with a de-isolation certificate without being subject to further test or quarantine.

Covid-19: Namibia lifts domestic travel restrictions and cuts the validity of PCR test results!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 32nd Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 30 July 2021 that the following regulations will come into force for a period of 14 days from 01 August 2021 until midnight on 14 August 2021. The previous set of measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 in Namibia expires at midnight today (31 July 2021).

• The travel restrictions in Namibia are hereby lifted, permitting the resumption of travel between regions, without a permit, countrywide. The public is however urged to strengthen public health measures at personal and community levels.
• Public Gatherings as defined in the Regulations have been adjusted to fifty (50) persons per event. Any public gathering should not last for more than two hours.
• The curfew in Namibia will remain in force from 22:00 to 04:00 daily.
• Education:
• All schools in Namibia are to resume face-to-face teaching and learning on 04 August 2021, with strengthened Infection Prevention and Control measures in place.
• Grades 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 to resume face to face teaching and learning on full- time basis, daily.
• Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres and lower primary grades may resume, but are required to operate in cohorts/shifts.
• The management of educational institutions must ensure the safety of the school environment for employees, learners and students.
• Restrictions related to liquor: The sale of liquor in Namibia remains restricted, on take-away basis between 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, except for those hospitality establishments that have resident guests.
• Business operations:
• All food establishments (restaurants, kapana traders and food vendors) in Namibia may resume on-site meals, subject to compliance with Health & Safety Protocols.
• Businesses deemed to be high-risk, such as Gyms and Sports Clubs remain closed;.
• Spas, Salons and beauty parlours remain open, subject to adherence to mandatory face masks and maintaining physical distance of no less than 1.5 meters.
• Indoor/Outdoor swimming pools and playgrounds may resume operations, subject to adherence to Health & Safety Protocols; and Motor Vehicle Passenger Restrictions remain in force, loading public transport vehicles at half capacity, including for tour operators and shuttle services.
• Burials: due to COVID-19 must take place within a period of ten (10) days, all the current burial related regulations remain in force.
• Test results upon entry into Namibia: The validity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results will be reduced from seven (7) days to seventy-two (72) hours for all travellers, to safeguard the country. Namibians arriving with a de-isolation certificate within a period of three (3) months will be allowed entry, and not be subject to quarantine.

Covid-19: South Africa moves back to Adjusted Alert Level 3! [update]

update (26 July 2021): South Africa's Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has published a government gazette which moves the country to Adjusted Alert Level 3 as announced by the President on 25 July 2021.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 25 July 2021 that based on the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19, and inputs from the President's Coordinating Council, the Cabinet has decided to move South Africa from Adjusted Alert Level 4 to Adjusted Alert Level 3. This means that:

• The hours of curfew stay the same, starting at 22:00 and end at 04:00.
• Interprovincial travel for leisure may resume.
• Non-essential establishments like restaurants, taverns, bars and fitness centres may be opened. These establishments need to close by 21:00 to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
• Gatherings are allowed but are limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
• Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used.
• Gatherings include religious services, political events and social gatherings.
• The limits on venue capacity also apply to restaurants, gyms, fitness centres, bars, taverns and similar places.
• Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
• Night vigils and after-funeral gatherings are still not allowed.
• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption is permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Thursday.
• Alcohol sales for on-site consumption is permitted as per licence conditions up to 20:00.
• Schools re-open on 26 July 2021, according to strict health protocols and other measures announced by South Africa's Minister of Basic Education.

It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that always covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces.
The owners and managers of public buildings, centres, shops, restaurants, taxis and buses all have a responsibility to ensure that people on their premises or in their vehicles wear masks.
They must also ensure that the appropriate social distancing measures are in place and are adhered to.
It is important to remember that it is a criminal offence if the number of people on these premises exceeds the maximum number of customers or employees allowed.

Covid-19: Namibia extends the current Public Health Regulations until 31 July 2021!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 31st Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 31 July 2021 that the existing Public Health Regulations (as of 30 June 2021) remain in force. The Cabinet has assessed the impact of the current measures and has resolved, based on key indicators, to maintain and extend the current Public Health Regulations for a period of sixteen days until 31 July 2021.
This hopefully also means that the tourism guidelines, released by Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on 01 July 2021, also remain in place. According to the guidlines, there are no travel restrictions applicable to international tourists once they comply with the provisions outlined in the appended protocols. We'll keep you posted!

Covid-19: South Africa extends adjusted Alert Level 4 lockdown for another 14 days! [update]

update (12 July 2021): South Africa's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has published a government gazette that introduces new restrictions for South Africa's adjusted level 4 lockdown. Please note that interprovincial travel for leisure to and from Gauteng remains prohibited.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 11 July 2021 that the country's Cabinet after consultation with the provinces has decided to maintain South Africa at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days. This is due to the fact that with the fast-spreading Delta variant, South Africa is experiencing a third wave of Covd-19 infections that is more severe than the first and second waves. According to the President, the country has consistently recorded an average of nearly 20,000 daily new cases for the last two weeks.
The following measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa remain in place until 25 July 2021:

• All social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited.
• A curfew remains in place from 21:00 until 04:00, and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during this time.
• The sale of alcohol remains prohibited.
• Schools remain closed until the 26th of July.
• It remains mandatory to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public.

Adjustments to the Alert Level 4 regulations:

• Restaurants and eateries are allowed to operate while observing strict health protocols. Such establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time or, for smaller venues, more than 50 per cent of their normal capacity.
• Certain other venues, such as gyms and fitness centres, may also open and activities such as agricultural livestock and game auctions are allowed, subject to the conditions outlined in regulations.

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. 

Covid-19: South Africa further tightens restrictions for 14 days! [update]

update (30 June 2021): South Africa's lockdown rules governing Alert Level 4 have been updated. According to an 8-page amendment from co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and other accommodation establishments are allowed again to use full capacity of the available rooms", as long as patrons keep social distance, and keep their masks on, when they are in shared spaces.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 27 June 2021 that the country will tighten Covid-19 restrictions for 14 days (adjusted alert level 4). This is due to sharp rise of infections with the Delta variant of the corona virus in South Africa. As of 27 June 2021, the Delta variant has been detected in five of South Africa's provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. According to the President, the Delta variant is rapidly displacing the Beta variant, which has been dominant in the country until now.

The following measures (adjusted alert level 4) are in in place across South Africa from today, 28 June 2021 to 11 July 2021:

• All gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors – are prohibited. These include religious, political, cultural and social gatherings.
• Funerals and cremations are permitted, but attendance may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
• Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
• Public spaces, such as beaches and parks, will remain open. However, no gatherings will be permitted.
• A curfew will be in place from 21:00 to 04:00, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 20:00.
• The sale of alcohol both for on-site and off-site consumption is prohibited. South Africa's Ministerial Advisory Committee has advised that the limited restrictions previously imposed were not that effective and that a prohibition will ease the pressure that is placed on hospital services by alcohol-related emergency incidents.
• Because of the burden of infections in Gauteng, travel in and out of the province for leisure purposes will be prohibited. This does not include work, business or commercial travel, transit through airports or for the transport of goods. If you are currently not in your place of residence, you will be allowed to return home to or from Gauteng.
• Visits to old age homes, care facilities and other ‘congregant settings’ is restricted.
• Restaurants and other eateries are only permitted to sell food for take-away or delivery. This is because it is not possible for patrons to wear masks while eating or drinking in these establishments.

The closure of schools and other educational institutions for the winter holidays will be brought forward. Schools will start closing from this Wednesday, 30 June 2021, and all schools will be expected to be closed by the end of the week, on Friday.
Contact classes at tertiary institutions will end by 30 June 2021, with limited access to the institutions. Residences will however remain open. The Ministers of Basic Education and Higher Education, Science and Innovation will provide further details on these arrangements.

Covid-19: Namibia imposes new prevention restrictions as cases rise!

Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 29th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 15 June 2021 that the existing Public Health Regulations (as of 28 May 2021), which are set to expire on 30 June 2021, are getting amended. The aim of this adjustment is to break the momentum of the Covid-19 pandemic, currently charakterized by "Widespread Communtiy Transmission" in Namibia.
The adjustments have come into force on 16 June 2021, for a period of 14 days until 30 June 2021, are as follows:

• The exit and entry into the Windhoek-Okahandja-Rehoboth Local Authority is restricted. With exception for returning residents; essential service providers in possession of the relevant permit: emergency medical cases and the transportation of human remains to other regions for burial purposes.
• Public gatherings are reduced to 10 persons per event and should not last longer than two hours for indoor events.
• The curfew remains in force countrywide, as per current regulations, from 22:00 to 04:00, daily.
• Face-to-Face teaching and learning for Primary, Secondary schools and Higher Education Institutions including Technical Education Provides, in affected areas, is suspended effective 17 June 2021 to 30 June 2021.
• However, for the rest of Namibia, the Minister of Education, Arts & Culture will announce a "Winter Holiday", with exception for Grades 10, 11 and A-Levels who need to continue Face-to-Face learning in preparation for external examinations.
• All examinations for tertiary students will be undertaken online.
• The sale and purchase of liquor from shebeens and bars is restricted from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday on take-away basis only. The on-site consumption of liquor is prohibited, except at restaurants, guesthouses, hotels and similar establishments where guests reside.
• Gambling houses and night clubs are deemed to be high-risk under the circumstances and will not be permitted to operate. Kapana traders may only operate for take-away and private consumption.
• All contact sports as defined in the regulations are prohibited and no spectators are permitted at live sporting events.
• To make adequate provision for physical distancing and to avoid overloading in motor vehicles, all public transport operators in Namibia may only load passengers to half the capacity of the vehicle.
• With the raise in deaths, Namibia is also experiencing an increase in funerals. The existing protocols for conducting Covid-19 burials is getting maintained - burials are to take place within seven days and the public is urged to serve meals at funerals on take-away basis only.

Covid-19: South Africa moves to Alert Level 3 - here are the new restrictions!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in an address to the nation on 15 June 2021 that South Africa moves back to Alert Level 3. This due to a third wave of infections with Covid-19 that is currently taking place in the country. According to the President, all provinces of South Africa, except for the Northern Cape, are experiencing rising infections. Four provinces – Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape – are officially in a third wave, while others are approaching that point. The proportion of Covid-19 tests that are positive – the so-called positivity rate – is continuing to rise in Gauteng, Limpopo, Western Cape, Free State and KwaZulu- Natal.

In view of the rising infections, the following restrictions are in place in South Africa from today (16 June 2021):

• The hours of curfew start at 22:00 and end at 16:00.
• Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres need to close by 21:00 to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.
• All gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
• Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
  This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.
• Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
• Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption is only be permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Thursday. This excludes public holidays.
• Alcohol sales for on-site consumption are permitted as per licence conditions up to 21:00.
• Alcohol consumption in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly forbidden.