Swazi Observer

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ACTING PM CLEARED OF COVID-19

By Alec Lushaba - Editor | 2021-01-15

ACTING Prime Minister Themba Masuku has been cleared of COVID-19 infection after coming into contact with several people who had tested positive this week.

Masuku was forced to cancel a media briefing early in the week after being informed that some officials close to him had tested positive and was immediately advised to isolate.

It was gathered that the Rapid Test Result came negative, but the acting PM requested further tests to be conducted whilst in isolation. His results came back negative yesterday, and is now free to publicly engage in government business.

When contacted yesterday, the acting PM confirmed that he was indeed in isolation after coming into contact with people who had tested positive.

“In as much as I did not feel any symptoms, I immediately took some tests, not once but twice to confirm my status. I was cleared by both tests and I am ready to resume my public engagements again,” he said.

About three cabinet ministers are currently receiving treatment after testing positive in various health centres.

It was reported yesterday that Public Service Minister Christian Ntshangase is already at the Lubombo Referral Hospital together with Labour and Social Security Minister Makhosi Vilakati.

Another minister and a partner are reported to be receiving treatment in South Africa.

The newspaper has further received reports that the team assessing the COVID-19 situation in the country will soon submit its report to cabinet on the impact of the strengthened partial lockdown regulations announced by the acting prime minister last week.

As part of the strengthened partial lockdown, Masuku announced the following guidelines; Gatherings n All gatherings of all sizes are prohibited except gatherings for burials.

However, memorial services are strictly prohibited. n Funerals are limited to two hours; with a maximum of 50 people.

Physical meetings, when absolutely necessary, for first line responders are limited to 20 people, beyond which only virtual meetings should be held.

Burials n Those who have passed on should be buried as soon possible; preferably within 3 days. Burials beyond 3 days after death will require a permit. n Burial permissions will be obtained from the regional offices of the ministry of home affairs.

Local and International Travel n Travelling from Eswatini to other countries will be allowed for medical attention, schooling, work and business purposes.

Border officials will carefully scrutinise all documentation to ascertain that this directive is strictly adhered to. n Cross border freight should operate observing all SADC protocols and standards.

Only essential approved cross border travel with special permits will be allowed. Local freight transport will not operate during curfew hours; unless they hold a permit related to COVID-19 supplies and PPE.

Private and local public transport is restricted to 80 per cent carrying capacity. n Public transport availability will be at 50 per cent or as determined by the transport working group. n Drivers and bus conductors should ensure compliance of their passengers and contrary behaviour is offensive and liable to a fine in terms of the existing Regulations.

Expired motor vehicle road clearance certificates, permits and licences are extended to 31 March 2021.

Motor vehicle certificate of fitness shall remain valid.

Business and Commerce n Health protocols remain in force with 1.5 metre requirement for social distance. n No retailers shall operate after 6pm.

All liquor outlets will now operate from Monday to Thursday between 11am and 4pm and shall be closed on Friday to Sunday.

Alcohol sale is restricted to home consumption only.

Sources close to the working team reveal that in the next public update, the Acting PM is likely to tighten further the screws by reducing the number of people to attend a funeral from 50 to a more manageable number.

It was further gathered that kufukama (mourning) and dishing of food will be strictly forbidden.

It was further suggested that if the conduct of those imbibing alcohol is not showing signs of improvement, as the Acting PM warned, it may lead to a total ban.

It was also gathered areas which have proved to be troublesome with people not respecting the curfew, the army may be deployed in such areas to restore order or force compliance with the guidelines.

COVID-19 figures in recent days have escalated, something which has seen the ministry of health sending an SOS to the World Health Organisation (WHO) appealing for more experts to come and lend a hand.

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