Namibia has discovered 18 cases of the Omicron variant from its own genome sequencing of samples tested for COVID-19 between 11 and 26 November. Dr Kalumbi Shangula has confirmed the presence of the COVID-19 mutation in Namibia at the 37th COVID-19 public briefing. The Minister of Health and Social Services says Namibia has been following international developments around the new variant. Dr Kalumbi Shangula says travellers from Namibia tested positive for Omicron in Japan and in the Czech Republic. Namibia is among seven other southern African countries in Europe, the United States and some other countries that have restricted non-essential travel. Dr Shangula says Namibia must continue strengthening its surveillance and response, including tracing of close contacts to contain Omicron's circulation. President Hage Geingob has used that briefing to warn that the Government would tighten measures ahead of the Festive Season if people do not change their behaviour. The Head of State has urged Namibians to be vaccinated and warned that they may introduce responsive measures to Omicron's spread.