Staff Reporter<\/p>\n
The shift of the COVID-19 epicentre from Walvis Bay to Namibia\u2019s capital, Windhoek have the machinery of state running in overdrive for a lockdown announcement of the Khomas Region for the next 14 days.<\/p>\n
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The announcement is expected later on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n
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New COVID-19 cases in Windhoek overtook Walvis Bay for the past four days with a sharp increase of 219 cases while the cases in harbour town have registered a small decline with only 141 cases.<\/p>\n
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The lockdown will be in line with earlier undertakings by the President, Dr. Hage Geingob that the priority will be to save Namibian lives and maintaining the health of the nation. Dr. Geingob has previously indicated that the government will not hesitate to re-impose strict lockdown measures if citizens don\u2019t abide by the rules.<\/p>\n
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Earlier today a government scare on the highest level was registered when the Secretary of Cabinet, George Simataa, who is in constant contact with the Namibian Presidency, the Office of the Prime Minister, various Cabinet ministers and various other senior government officials, tested positive for COVID-19 although he did not show any symptoms. Simataa is currently in self isolation at home where he will have to stay for the next ten days.<\/p>\n
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The Ministry of Home affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security\u2019s headquarters in the city centre recorded a positive COVID-19 case in its management cadre and will also close temporarily.<\/p>\n
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Earlier on Tuesday, the Directorate of Inland Revenue of the Ministry of Finance also situated in the centre of Windhoek, announced the temporary closure of its offices.<\/p>\n
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Many School and hostels reportedly registered COVID-19 positive staff and will be sanitised in the next few days while exams for Grade 10 and 12 learners will proceed on Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n
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With pressure mounting, a lock down is expected to be announced by the President with details on travel between Windhoek and Okahandja. The details might also include Rehoboth because the two towns serve as home bases for Windhoek workers and were included in the first lockdown.<\/p>\n
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Hundreds of Namibians who planned breakaway to their home towns and villages outside of Windhoek and Okahandja for the weekend will be left stranded and will have to cancel their plans. The same will apply to people who planned trips to the capital city.<\/p>\n
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Late last Night senior members of the COVID-19 Task Team were locked in consultations with the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice on new regulations in an attempt to manage the COVID-19 spike in Namibia\u2019s most densely populated residential areas.<\/p>\n
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