The COVID 19 pandemic continues to test our resolve as a Nation with an ever increasing imprint and reach on our communities and people. It has been almost 11 weeks since we recorded our first confirmed case and, over this period, the number had risen to 279 by yesterday with two deaths.
Since the declaration of a National Emergency and the introduction of a Partial Lockdown, Government has widened her scope of interventions through aggressive testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment of confirmed cases. The bed capacity in our hospitals has been increased and more health equipment and medical supplies procured.
We are alive to the fact that the Partial lockdown which has closed schools and many businesses, closed most of our borders and restricted movement has caused untold hardship for many of our
citizens – yet it was necessary. Health models project that over 200 000 Emaswati would have been infected with the virus resulting in many deaths, had we not made the sacrifice of introducing the partial lockdown and staying at home.
Two weeks ago Government took the decision to start easing the partial lockdown to allow the economy to breathe. This is in line with the need to save lives, sustain our economy and protect livelihoods.
In line with the easing of the partial lockdown, His Majesty’s Government has decided to allow more businesses to operate under strict health conditions. These businesses will have to apply for approval to operate through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The Ministry will assess the readiness of each business to comply with the health guidelines before issuing a permit. These are the following businesses;
- Car Wash businesses will operate every day from 9am to 3pm under the following conditions;
- Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment
- Develop cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures and ensure adherence by all workers and clients
- Provide screening for all workers and clients when entering the premises
- Maintain social distancing for workers and clients (1.5m)
- Use of masks by all workers and clients
- All staff members to be trained on COVID-19
- Sanitization of vehicles after they have been handled
- No consumption of alcohol on and around premises
- No gatherings in and around premises
2. Cellphone shops shall also operate on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm under the following conditions.
- Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment
- Develop cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures and ensure adherence by all workers and clients
- Provide screening for all workers and clients when entering the premises
- Maintain social distancing for workers and clients (1.5m)
- Use of masks by all workers and clients
- All staff members to be trained on COVID-19
- Sanitization of work equipment and high touch places.
3. Shoe Repairs shall also operate on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm under the
following conditions;
- Provision of hand washing or sanitization facilities
- Maintain social distancing for workers and clients (1.5m)
- Use of masks by all workers and clients
- All staff members to be trained on COVID-19
- Sanitization of work equipment and high touch places.
4. Laundromats shall operate on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm under the following
conditions.
- Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment
- Develop cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures and ensure adherence by all workers and clients
- Provide screening for all workers and clients when entering the premises
- Maintain social distancing for workers and clients (1.5m)
- Use of masks by all workers and clients
- All staff members to be trained on COVID-19
Government will continue considering opening other businesses depending on the assessment of the situation on the ground.
The nation will also recall that on the 31st March, 2020 Government announced that the implementation of the approved electricity tariff increase for the year 2020/21 was deferred for a period of two
months commencing from the 1st April, 2020 and ending on the 31st
May, 2020.
On the 29th May 2020 the Prime Minister was announcing that the implementation of the tariff increase will be discontinued in order to cushion Emaswati during these challenging economic times. The power utility shall re-apply for an increment next year (2021) in terms of the governing laws.
Government extends its appreciation to Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) for having consented to this government measure. Furthermore, it also pleases His Majesty’s Government to announce that the water tariff increase that was deferred for a
period of two months ending 31 May, 2020 will be again deferred for one additional month from1st June, 2020 to 30th June, 2020. We also extend our appreciation to the Eswatini Water Services Corporation for this extension.
Let me take this opportunity to advise members of the public that despite the easing of the partial lockdown, it remains important to fully comply with the COVID-19 regulations. There is still no need for unnecessary travel as that increases the chance of spreading the virus. We have to remain vigilant and not allow complacency to creep in if we are to continue to save lives.
It is also crucial to reiterate that all these processes of easing partial lockdown measures will only be sustained if they do not set us on a path of increased COVID 19 infections. Government will not hesitate to stop these businesses from operating if we regress in our COVID 19 containment response.
We have unfortunately seen a rising number of our senior citizens getting infected. May I appeal to all Emaswati to protect our elderly
and all those that suffer from lingering chronic diseases. Our collective responsibility will allow us to soon return to normalcy and get our economy back on track.
Observing strict hygiene protocols cannot be compromised. Once again may I emphasize the importance of:
- Washing hands regularly with running water and soap and using a sanitizer in the absence of water.
- Using other non touch methods of greeting instead of shaking hands.
- Observing social distancing protocols of maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre from each other at all times.
- Wearing masks in public places and at home when one experiences flu like symptoms
- Avoiding touching your face (mouth, nose, eyes) and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Cleaning all high touch surfaces in our home and business regularly.
Government continues to draw strength and courage from the advice and support of Their Majesties through this trying period.
May I also pass our gratitude to all the health workers who consistently risk their lives to save our lives. The encouraging
number of recoveries is testament to their commitment and dedication to the cause of serving the Nation and saving lives. Our
appreciation also goes to all essential services workers, including security forces who have worked diligently in this partial lockdown era.
Together we will conquer this virus, and through our collective responsibility we will save lives and save our economy.
