by Ndalimpinga Iita
WINDHOEK, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Namibians are adopting hygiene and safety measures in public spaces to curb the further spread of COVID-19.
Namibia's health ministry has so far recorded 11 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Local retail and shopping centres have designated sanitation dispensers and stations. While other shops in Namibia's capital Windhoek implement other hygiene measures for customers before entering the shop.
Wessie van der Westhuizen, general manager of Windhoek-based Wernhill Shopping Centre in the central business district, said that the centre had increased hygiene measures in all outlets to fight the spread of coronavirus.
"The centre availed sanitation stations as per guidelines set by the health ministry to enhance safety within the shopping centre as a public space," he said.
Shops have also marked standing points to ensure that queues comply with the prescribed social distancing of one or more metres.
Shoppers have also since maximized on the sanitation points and hygiene practices to protect themselves.
Selma Erastus, a Windhoek resident, said that she ensures her hands are sanitized and thoroughly washed in public spaces.
"The shops offer sanitation facilities. So before I enter and exit shops, I make sure I sanitize my hands. I also make sure I keep my distance in the queues," Erastus said on Friday.
In the labour fraternity, institutions have also adopted precautionary measures to ensure the safety of clients and employees.
To comply with the national response measures, the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has suspended access to its national building amid the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
"All our engagements will be restricted to virtual platforms, such as telephonic and teleconference means during this period," said Lot Ndamanomhata, the head of communication and corporate services at EIF.
Meanwhile, government through the office of the minister has since instructed public institutions through a circular; to promote hygiene awareness to all staff members.
Geroge Simataa, secretary to the cabinet urged public institutions to develop contingency and response continuity plans to prepare workplaces for possible COVID-19 outbreak in institutions.
"As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that institutions put sanitizing hand rub dispenses in prominent places around the workplace. Where possible, hold meetings online instead of all staff seated in one room," Simaata said.
Beyond the city boundaries, the regional structures have also embarked on robust public education.
The Outapi Town Council in Namibia's Omusati region in northern Namibia is rolling out best hygiene practices to stakeholders.
Ananias Titus, Chief Executive Officer of Outapi Town Council, said that the aim was to raise awareness.
According to Titus, the session entailed verified information sharing on social distancing, avoiding mass social gatherings and crowded places. They also raised awareness on hand washing, and how the public member should conduct themselves socially.
"The aim is to create a safe public space through individual responsibility. When our people are informed, they will know how to conduct themselves for their safety and that of others. Also, to ensure adherence to the guidelines provided to create safe public spaces to curb the spread of coronavirus," he said.
Temporarily, the transport sector has since adopted a similar measure to prevent further spread of the virus.
The City of Windhoek external communication officer, Lydia Amutenya, said that the municipal buses are cleaned frequently.
"Sanitizers are also provided on-board. Further, the City also limiting the number of passengers and providing protective gear to all the drivers," she said.
Meanwhile, following a shortage of sanitizers, a tertiary institution has seized the opportunity to manufacture sanitizers locally for the university community to ensure a safe environment.
The University of Namibia's Faculty of Science and School of Pharmacy manufactured hand sanitizers, prepared in accordance with the World Health Organization standards.
The aim of this effort, according to professor Timothy Rennie, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university, is underlined by the saying 'prevention is better than cure'.
In the interim, Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services jointly with stakeholders, has enhanced public education through mobile services, social, print and broadcast media, with efforts coordinated through a dedicated local taskforce.
The government announced the suspension of mass gatherings early March. President Hage Geingob on Tuesday also announced more stringent measures in the fight against COVID-19, declaring a lockdown in the Khomas and Erongo regions. The country will from March 27 midnight go into lockdown.
"The aim of the lockdown is for people to stay at home to halt the further spread of COVID-19," said Geingob on Friday.
