Three-day-old baby infected with Covid-19 in Namibia
Namibia has recorded a high of 2,075 new Covid-19 infection cases in a single day, among them a three-day-old child.
RUSTENBURG, June 17 (ANA) – A three-day-old baby is one of more than 2,000 people infected with Covid-19 in Namibia as the country registered yet another one-day record number of new cases.
According to data released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, 2,075 positive cases were recorded on Wednesday. A total of 33 new Covid-19-related deaths were also recorded. The country previously recorded a high of 717 cases in a single day on June 3.
“The gender distribution is 1,164 females and 911 males. The age range from three days to 93 years,” read the statement from the health ministry.
The rising number of Covid-19 infections has led President Hage Geingob to impose a two-week lockdown in the capital Windhoek, as well as Okahandja and Rehoboth in central Namibia.
Addressing Namibians on strict measures aimed at halting the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the country, Geingob warned that there would be consequences for those who disrespect Covid-19 regulations.
This was after a video of young people seen partying after a funeral went viral.
“I am dismayed by recent revelations of Namibians who blatantly disregard regulations. The videos of our young people seen partying and flouting the public health and safety protocols are disappointing.
“Such wanton recklessness, selfishness and irresponsibility at a time that our country is warding off the peak of the pandemic should not be allowed to continue. I wish to inform those organising and engaging in such activities that there will be consequences, as provided for in our laws and regulations,” he said on Tuesday in a televised national address.
Daily newspaper Namibian Sun reported that Japhet Uupindi, owner of a bar at Oshikuku, and his bartender were arrested and appeared in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after over 50 people hosted a party at the bar following a friend’s funeral. Uupindi was fined N$1,500 (about US$108.52). The bartender was acquitted.
Daily newspaper New Era reported that Information Minister Peya Mushelenga was the latest minister to be infected with Covid-19.
He was reportedly asymptomatic and in a stable condition.
The National Assembly has suspended sessions until Tuesday next week after six staff members and three members of parliament, including Speaker Peter Katjavivi, tested positive for Covid-19.
President Geingob and his wife Monica Geingos also contracted Covid-19 and have since recovered.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
