MASK OFF: Namibia has dropped its mandatory mask-wearing policy. 
PHOTO: FILE
MASK OFF: Namibia has dropped its mandatory mask-wearing policy. PHOTO: FILE

End of the mask era, for now

Public urged to get vaccinated
Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to produce a negative PCR test result upon arrival at a Namibian point of entry, but are required to present an authentic, valid vaccination card.
Jemima Beukes
Namibia has dropped its mandatory mask-wearing policy against the spread of Covid-19; however, the public is still urged to wear masks in close and cramped spaces such as public transport.

The limit on public gatherings has also been lifted from 500 to 1 000 people, while social distancing of one metre between people will remain mandatory.

President Hage Geingob emphasised that vaccination remains one of the most effective measures in the national response against the virus and should be taken seriously by the public.

“It not only reduces individual chances of developing severe illness, hospitalisation and death, but can also help to restore economic activity particularly in the adversely affected tourism sector.

“We must continue to care for ourselves and the vulnerable members of our society who are more susceptible by continuing to protect ourselves so that new clusters of infection do not form,” he said.

Get boosted

As of yesterday, only 21.4% of the country’s eligible population had been fully vaccinated countrywide, which marks one third of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended population coverage of 60% to achieve national herd immunity.

The president said adequate supply of vaccine stock is available and urged the public to go for their booster shots.

Meanwhile, fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to produce a negative PCR test result upon arrival at a Namibian point of entry, but are required to present an authentic, valid vaccination card.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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