1. When will STAGE 2 enter into force?
1.1 With the lifting of the Lockdown at 23:59 on Monday, 04 May 2020, the State of Emergency will continue with eased restrictive measures, under Stage 2.
1.2 Following the trajectory of cases in Namibia, the incidence curve has flattened. Economic and social activities will be allowed to gradually resume.
1.3 Stage 2 will be in force for a period of 28 days (two incubation periods), subject to changes in the country situation.
2. Health and Hygiene Guidelines Everyone will be required in Stage 2 to adhere to the following COVID-19 prevention guidelines:
2.1 Continue Social Distancing protocols of atleast 1.5 meters between persons, to minimize the potential of spread of the disease within the communities.
2.2 The public is required to wear facemasks (as defined in the Regulations) when using both private and public transport, shopping, outdoor group exercise and at the workplace.
2.3 Increase hygiene interventions (e.g. public hand washing utilities and consumables) including installation of sanitizer equipment within public and work places.
2.4 Increase cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces including public transport and all public assets, twice a week (municipal buses, play park equipment, shared water access points, public restrooms etc).
2.5 Disseminate public health communication campaign.
2.6 Anyone with symptoms of a dry cough, high fever and shortness of breath should call the Toll-Free Number 0800-100-100 or 911 or consult a health facility or community health worker to be advised on what to do.
2.7 The public is encouraged to Stay At Home and limit movement. We call on personal responsibility to complement government action. 2.8 Employers encouraged to allow employees in vulnerable categories, as defined in the Regulations, to continue working from home as far as feasible.
2.9 Businesses are required to keep clientele log to assist with contact tracing.
2.10Public is urged to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining the health of the population.
3. Businesses permitted to operate in Stage 2
3.1 Most businesses where social distancing is possible will be permitted to reopen, subject to responsible personal and organizational conduct and in compliance with the Health & Hygiene Guidelines prescribed under Section 2 above.
3.2 The following businesses will be permitted to operate, subject to the following conditions:
i. Shopping Malls and Retail Outlets: Adhere to guidelines for number of persons inside a store. Reserve special shopping hours for vulnerable persons as defined, where general stores/supermarkets reserve exclusive timeslot once a week for them to shop. Buying and selling of alcohol is prohibited.
ii. Restaurants: to continue operating on a take-away basis as before. Buying and selling of alcohol is prohibited.
iii. Kapana traders: Meals may only be purchased for takeaway and private consumption
iv. Beauty, Hair Dressers & Barbers: subject to proper personal protective equipment.
v. Laundromats and Tailors: subject to proper personal protective equipment.
vi. Public transportation: Domestic air travel may operate in adherence to Social Distancing protocols. Road travel may continue in adherence to existing Motor Vehicle Passenger Regulations: Not more than three (3) persons will be permitted in a four (4) seater motor vehicle. Not more than four (4) persons will be permitted in a seven (7) seater motor vehicle at any given time. For larger buses with carrying capacity of sixteen persons or more, may only load half the number of passengers. Not more than two (2) persons per donkey cart and one (1) person per motorbike, bicycle and tricycle.
3.3 The following businesses will not be permitted to operate in Stage 2:
Theatres; cinemas; Gyms and exercise centres; Contact sports and sporting events; Gambling houses; nightclubs; Entertainment events and concerts; Liquor outlets, bars and shebeens; Seminars, Conferences, Workshops and Summits.
4. Domestic Travel
4.1 People will be permitted to travel domestically between regions and within towns and cities, without restriction. No authorization will be required to travel.
4.2 Screening will be maintained at existing checkpoints (regionally and at points of entry).
5. Travel into and out of Namibia and Quarantine
5.1 Closure of all points of entry.
Comprehensive restrictions on cross border movement of persons remain in force, with exception of the transportation of essential goods. 5.2 Returning citizens and permanent residents will be subjected to mandatory, supervised quarantine for a period of 14 days. Persons placed under supervised quarantine will be monitored.
5.3 All Non-Namibians will not be allowed to enter the country and will be turned back, with exception of humanitarian aid workers and essential services as defined.
5.4 All Namibians abroad who wish to return home must inform their Embassy or High Commission of their intent to travel, a week before departure.
5.5 All persons identified through contact tracing will be placed under supervised quarantine for a period of 14 days.
5.6 In line with existing guidelines for cross border trade, truck drivers entering the country will be subjected to testing and mandatory, supervised quarantine for a period of 14 days.
5.7 It remains the responsibility of all to remain cautious and minimise movement and avoid large crowds.
6. Education:
Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary institutions to continue providing alternative teaching and learning during Stage 2. 7. Who may Work from Home?
7.1 The elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, obesity, diabetes, expectant mothers, tuberculosis and immune-compromised) are urged to self-isolate, utilize special shopping hours and work from home subject to arrangements with Employers.
7.2 Employers are encouraged to allow employees in vulnerable conditions/categories, as defined in the Regulations, to continue working from home, as far as feasible.
7.3 All employees working during this time should observe the Health and Hygiene Guidelines under Section 2 above, at all times.
8. What is a public gathering in Stage 2
8.1 Restrictions on public gatherings should be observed across the country.
8.2 Any gathering during this period may not exceed more than 10 persons. This includes weddings and funerals.
8.3 Conveners of gatherings are required to keep attendance register, in any eventuality.
9. What is the penalty of violating above Regulations?
9.1 Violating the stipulated regulations is a punishable offense.
9.2 The penalty for violating these Stage 2 regulations is a spot fine of N$2,000 or arrest.