Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, has urged Namibians to protect themselves by getting tested for COVID-19 and to ensure that they get vaccinated.

Briefing Nampa on the current COVID-19 status, Shangula said the situation is being monitored and is stable, although there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Shangula, says Namibia has seen an upsurge in cases over the last seven days, especially in the Khomas Region, where an average of five cases per day have been recorded.

The World Health Organisation  has updated its guidelines on the wearing of masks in public, saying it recommends the use of masks irrespective of the local epidemiological situation, given the current spread of COVID-19 globally."

Shangula commented on this, saying that the wearing of masks is advised by the WHO, but that it is up to the individual countries to decide whether to reinstate the wearing of masks or not.

Shangula further said the COVID-19 regulations for Namibia were removed in July 2022 and will not be reintroduced as yet, despite ongoing testing.

The responsibility, Shangula said, rests with individuals to make sure they protect themselves - and for those not vaccinated, to make sure they get vaccinated.