Namibia: Authorities amend COVID-19-related restrictions; measures in place through June 30 /update 20

Event

Authorities have amended COVID-19 restrictions and measures; these are active through at least June 30. As part of the amendment, authorities have placed the local areas of Windhoek, Okahandja, and Rehoboth under lockdown for a period of 14 days June 16-30. Only essential workers, returning residents, emergency medical cases, and persons transporting human remains for burial will be allowed to travel into and out of the affected regions. These measures are in response to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in the affected areas. The nationwide 22:00-04:00 curfew remains in place until further notice. Several other restrictions remain in place and are listed below:

Domestic Restrictions:

• Casinos and nightclubs will be closed under amended measures.

• Face-to-face academic activities have been suspended in the affected areas.

• 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.

• Public gatherings will also be limited to 10 people.

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.

• 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