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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6853 TUESDAY 17 MARCH 2020 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Coronavirus: Hospitality industry in jeopardy
inside
Paratus opens at Swakopmund
Up 100 % room cancellations as all flights to Namibia are stopped Estelle de Bruyn Cancellations of up to 100 percent in the hospitality industry have sent shockwaves through the coastal community's economy. The economic impact of emergency measures put in place by Pres Hage Geingob after the first two cases of Covid-19 infections were reported in Namibia over the weekend, is already being felt. The chairman of the Walvis Bay Tourism Forum, Mr. Carlos van der Merwe, told Namib Times some establishments have reported up to 100 percent cancellations. “Intially we expected cancellations from Europe, but now the South African tourists are also cancelling. “We have to educate our people so that we can prevent further spreading of the virus. People are scared, and there is reason to be scared. “The financial concern is big, but our people's health is more of a concern. We must take care of our people and prevent the speading of the disease. This should be our priority,” Van der Merwe added. Many hospitality establishments at the coast have reported over night cancellations of up to 40 percent. According to Phia Neumann, a reservations agent for O&L, the parent company of the Strand Hotel, cancellations of between 20 and 30 percent have been registered. According to the website for Gondwana Collections, parent company of The Delight Swakopmund, they are waiting for clarification and additional measures by the Interministerial Task Force of Government. “ Gondwana Collection Namibia would like to express sympathy with travellers, whose holiday and travel plans are affected.” The company announced “heightened emphasis on hygiene and precautionary measures.” The public relations officer for the company, Imke Stoldt, said since the president's announcement, Gondwana Collections have experienced cancelled reservations. However, it was not company policy to give individual figures for individual establishments. Restaurants will also be impacted as government has advised against large gatherings. Many parents are facing a dilemma as all schools are closed and addional arrangements for taking care of especially small children at home, will have to be made. While businesses related to the tourism industry were reeling from the initial shock of cancellations, most super markets and pharmacies were doing brisk business. Gerald Klein, manager at DisChem Walvisbaai, said consumers on Sunday made a run on hand sanitizers, face masks, alcohol wipes, immune boosters and toilet paper. He added that the same thing happened at the pharmacy's branch in Swakopmund. “Monday morning people were still looking for the items, but they could see our shelves were empty.”
Page 5 Frantic members of the public emptied shelves at various shops in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund over the weekend, hoping to stock up on hand sanitizers and other products to counter the spread of the Coronavirus.
Two businessmen in court for N$600k fraud
Skills development important to Kraatz
Eileen van der Schyff Two Walvis Bay businessmen made a first appearance in the Walvis Bay magistrate's court yesterday, for the alleged embezzlement of N$600 000 from a Zambian businessman. The duo face charges of fraud and theft under false pretence. Dorian Luige Victor and Andrew Nicolas van Wyk were each released on N$50 000 bail and will return to court on 30 April. The Zambian man reported them to the authorities, after he deposited the money into a bank account under the name of Inter Cargo Shipping. The payment was made for the transport of frozen chicken to Zambia. The two accused withdrew the money and the transport service was never delivered, resulting in the Zambian businessman approaching the authorities on suspicions he has been defrauded.
Dr Sam Nujoma “well and healthy” The Office of the Founding President lashed at rumour mongers who alleged on social media over the weekend the Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, is hospitalised. Dr Nujoma is well and healthy and attended his spouse and former first lady Kovambo Nujoma‘s 87th birthday party at the Nujoma-residence in Windhoek on Saturday.
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2 Bronze medals for Seidler Page 14
Self-Defence classes to empower women and girls Page 15