Namibia: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related restrictions in Windhoek; measures in place through July 15 /update 21

Event

As of July 1, authorities have tightened COVID-19 restrictions through July 15. All interprovincial travel is prohibited with the exception of essential workers, returning residents, emergency medical cases, and persons transporting human remains for burial. Entry for residents into regions will require a travel permit. However, all intraprovincial travel is allowed. Authorities have increased the nationwide curfew by one hour from 22:00-04:00 to 21:00-04:00. Several other restrictions remain in place and are listed below:

Domestic Restrictions:

• Casinos and nightclubs will be closed.

• The use of facemasks covering the nose and mouth is compulsory in all public spaces; children under the age of five are exempt when in school.

• All nonessential businesses are permitted to operate provided they maintain sanitization and social distancing protocols.

• The sale of liquor is permitted 09:00-18:00, Mondays to Thursdays only, and on a take-away basis. Exceptions are made for 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 Fridays-Sundays.

• Public gatherings are limited to 10 people.

• Public transport is limited to 50-percent capacity of any particular vehicle.

International Travel:

• International passenger flights are operating at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). All non-Namibian travelers must present a PCR test taken no more than seven days before arrival.

• All travelers coming from pre-determined hotspots, such as India, are required to take a second PCR test after seven days in the country.

• Returning citizens and permanent residents that have a certified de-isolation (successful quarantine) from the government of the country of departure will not be subject to quarantine.

• Travelers who arrived without a test result or with a result outside the outlined period will be subject to a seven-day quarantine and a test at personal expense. Travelers will remain in quarantine until test results return negative.

• Frequent travelers returning to Namibia within three days of departure are permitted to use the same positive COVID-19 test results upon reentry. Travelers who exceed the three-day period will be required to present a new COVID-19 test. Travelers who fail to do so will be required to quarantine for a period of seven days.

• The Katima Mulilo, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts, and Walvis Bay Harbor are the only access points for tourists intending to travel via land or sea.

Officials could amend restrictions at short notice. Security forces have deployed to ensure compliance. Authorities will issue fines to persons not complying with the COVID-19-related measures.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Confirm with local authorities or diplomatic missions on the status of quarantine and or other restrictive measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Guidelines for Stages