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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6914 FRIDAY 21 MAY 2021
Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Swakopmund traffic circles a waiting disaster See Report on Page 2
inside CRAN celebrates 10 years
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World Bee Day Covid-19:
Cases more severe, more hospitalisations and deaths Namibia's health authorities issued a stern warning of a steep increase in the number of new Covid-19 infections and also a higher death rate in recent weeks. This increase also represents more severe cases, higher number of hospitalisations, and deaths. With the winter only days away, Namibians are urged to adhere to Covid-19 safety procedures and to embrace the opportunity to get vaccinated. “Recent weeks have witnessed a steep spike in the numbers of new Covid-19 infections around the country. On average, Covid-19 infections are reported in all fourteen regions of the country on a daily basis”, states the ministry of health and social services in a recent public notice. Adding, the increase in cases exerted pressure on the capacities in intensive care units of both public- and private hospitals. The ministry attributes this increase in cases to Namibians becoming complacent, and letting their guard down in the fight against the Covid19 pandemic. As citizens of the country Namibians can do their part by complying with public health regulations. That includes wearing face masks correctly, wash hands regularly, avoid crowded places, practise social distancing and to isolate and get tested should a person show any symptoms associated with a Coronavirus infection.
Namibians are also urged to respect curfew hours (22:00-04:00 all days of the week) and business owners and managers need to ensure their premises promote social distancing and stay within the business hours provided for in the public health regulations. Both the B.1351 and B1.1.7 strains of the Coronavirus, respectively the more dangerous variant of the Coronavirus found in South Africa and the United Kingdom has since been detected in Namibia. These variants are associated with more severe infections, higher hospitalisation rate and also higher death rate, prompting the ministry of health and social services to monitor developments very closely, according to the statement. As lockdowns have proven globally as the most efficient way to curb the pandemic, Namibians cannot rule out lockdowns in the ensuing months, if the need arises. It remains therefore a patriotic duty of every Namibian to adhere to safety regulations, and in doing so ensure their fellow countrymen stay protected, to preventing further harm to the Namibian economy (any form of lockdown) and to speed up the country's return to normal life.
Well-known security operator, Nicky van Zyl acquitted on housebreaking and theft charges A well-known personality in Walvis Bay’s private security industry, Mr. Nickey van Zyl (46) was acquitted on a case of housebreaking with the intent to steal and a second charge of theft on Wednesday. Van Zyl was arrested on 22 December 2018 as the only suspect in a burglary at the branch of Ackermans at the Metropolitan Plaza in Walvis Bay’s central business district. The burglary took place some time during the night of 21/22 December. Cash to the value of N$58 000 was stolen during the burglary. A local magistrate ruled on Wednesday there was inconclusive evidence to convict van Zyl. Close circuit television footage was also unclear and the burglar could not be identified from this footage. The stolen cash was never recovered.
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Street repairs pick up pace in Walvis Bay
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Sports News Pages 19 & 20