NAMIBIA’S mining sector will remain in lockdown for a further two-and-a-half weeks until May 4 in terms of the country’s extended efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Mining operations, which make up half of Namibia’s export revenue, have been suspended pending the lockdown, said Reuters.
The country’s president, Hage Geingob, said on Tuesday the country’s borders would remain closed for the period after confirmed COVID-19 cases increased to 16. There have been no new infections in the past week, however.
Informal trading and open markets will still be allowed to operate subject to strict hygiene, social distancing and limits to the number of people who can gather, said Reuters.
“The pandemic we face today is unprecedented, but I am confident that by working collaboratively, we will respond effectively to minimise the spread of the virus … and restart our economic activities,” said Geinjob in a televised announcement.
The Namibian government last week announced an US$478,000 economic stimulus package in a bid to minimise the impact of COVID-19.
Namibia’s neighbour, South Africa, extended its own lockdown to April 30 although it has allowed for the partial continuation of mining operations if companies can show that the likelihood of contact between employees is minimal and the activity is deemed essential to the economy.
