Maria David
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services on Monday officially launched the Trusted Traveler System that allows for the detection of counterfeit Covid-19 test results and also enhances cross-border collaboration.
The launch was necessitated as paper-based systems for the verification of Covid-19 results have proven to be cumbersome and slow. This results in long queues and delays for travellers at points of entry and exit, causing disruptions to travel plans, supply chains and logistic arrangements.
The delays associated with paper-based manual systems have various knock-on effects that compromise and undermine economic performance and trade, taking into account the negative impact of the pandemic on different facets of life.
Minister of Health Dr Kalumbi Shangula said countries around the world, including Namibia, have experienced incidences of falsified and counterfeit PCR test results being presented at the various points of entry.
“It is these incidences of counterfeit results that necessitated the innovations to bring on board technologies to make this system a reality without delay,” he said.
He noted that Namibia, like most countries, has put in place measures to combat the spread and impact of Covid-19. One of the measures includes efforts to minimise the importation of infections from other jurisdictions by regulating the movement of people.
Shangula explained that in this context, international travellers are required to produce evidence of a negative Covid-19 test at points of entry. However, as the risk grows, so does the critical need to strengthen the system and to harmonise cross-border Covid-19 travel requirements.
“This is not enough. Strengthening systems must be supported by technologies to assure the integrity of Covid-19 test results presented at ports of entry, hence the launch of Trusted Traveler System,” he added.
Shangula noted that all accredited laboratories in the country have been added to the system, adding that they are now “on board” and generating codes for travellers which will be required for persons leaving Namibia.
“Our points of entry are also equipped with trained staff, internet devices and tablets to implement the system,” he said.
By 15 November 2021, all participating gazetted points of entry in the country will have the system operational. It will become mandatory to have all travellers PCR results entered into the system by 1 December 2021.
