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The Namibian government said on Thursday that it will open the country to international travel starting Sept. 18, as a six-month state of emergency ends with a downward trend in the average number of daily coronavirus cases.
President Hage Geingob, during a press conference, said the government had considered the economic implications of continuing the restrictions and the readiness of its hospitals.
The announcement comes a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country would allow international travel from October and lifted almost all blocking restrictions as of September 21.
Namibia’s economy, which is heavily dependent on mining, particularly diamond exports, and wildlife tourism, is expected to contract a record 7.8% in 2020 after being hit by emergency restrictions.
“Yes, the virus is deadly, however, we are aware that poverty also kills,” Geingob said, adding that the state of emergency, which is due to expire at midnight on Thursday, will not be extended.
Travel in and out of restricted areas including the capital Windhoek and the surrounding cities of Okahandja and Rehoboth will be allowed as the nationwide curfew is lifted, the president said.
Contact sports will be allowed to resume, gambling houses and casinos may reopen, and gatherings will be allowed up to 50% of a venue’s capacity or a maximum of 50 people, according to Attorney General Festus Mbandeka during the conference of press.
New positive cases have fallen from a high of 317 in late August to a low of 63 cases on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally.
