Namibian deputy minister of education dies of Covid-19 as death rate rises

Veno Kauaria, Namibia’s deputy minister of higher education, technology and innovation, has died of Covid-19.

RUSTENBURG, July 30 (ANA) – Namibia’s deputy education minister died of Covid-19 on Friday, President Hage Geingob announced.

“Today, the pain of loss continues across the country and this morning, I received the heartbreaking news that Hon. Veno Kauaria, deputy minister of higher education, technology and innovation, lost her life in the fight against Covid-19,” he said during a national address on Covid-19 preventive measures.

He said that over the past 28 days, Namibia has recorded 1,414 Covid-19-related deaths.

“…The fact that we have recorded 1,414 deaths within 28 days is troubling. It is therefore critical that we do everything within our power to reduce the alarming rate of deaths that we are experiencing. Deaths are destroying our families, our communities and our nation at large.“

He said here has been a notable rise in deaths in the Kavango West, Oshana, Omusati and Hardap regions.

“Omaheke has the highest case fatality rate of 6.5%, almost three times the national average of 2.5%. In this regard, we must maintain absolute vigilance as a means to reduce new infections; get more people vaccinated in order to prevent severe Covid-19 illness and death. That is the nature of the challenge we face. We cannot tire. We cannot relent.”

He said the numbers of new infections had come down and more isolation and ICU beds were becoming available in the public and private sector health facilities.

Namibia has recorded 117,896 Covid-19 infection cases since the index case in March 2020, while 2,970 people have died of the disease.

He said the national vaccination rate, for persons fully vaccinated, has increased marginally from 1.3% two weeks ago, to the 1.8% vaccine population coverage.

Those who have received the first dose have increased from 5% to 6.1% over the same period.

“This is attributable to a rising rate of daily vaccinations, which currently stands, on average, at 3,082 doses administered daily.

“Vaccination remains an important weapon in our arsenal. I therefore reiterate my call upon all Namibians who are eligible, to get vaccinated and help to save lives. Let us not allow vaccine scepticism to curtail our efforts of reducing new infections and thus opening up and returning our country to normalcy.”

He said Namibia maintains a high level of testing coverage for Covid-19.

“We have one of the highest testing levels on the continent, with a testing coverage of 239 people tested, per thousand persons. We are third on the continent, after South Africa and Gabon. Testing is important because it enables us to find new infection clusters and thus to target interventions accordingly.”

Adjusting Covid-19 restrictions, Geingob said travel between regions, without a permit, countrywide will be allowed as of midnight on Saturday.

The number of people at public gatherings has been increased to 50 from 10. Any public gathering should not last for more than two hours.

The curfew remains in force from 10pm to 4am daily.

All schools are to resume face-to-face teaching and learning on August 4.

Grades 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are to resume face-to-face teaching and learning on a full- time basis, daily, while early-childhood development centres and lower primary grades will operate in cohorts or shifts.

The sale of liquor remains restricted to a take-away basis between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for those hospitality establishments that have resident guests.

The Covid-19 restriction measures will remain in place until August 14.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher