BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Good news for those planning to leave the country!
Today, the Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, announced the de-escalation of COVID-19 response saying travellers would no longer need to produce COVID-19 certificates or COVID-19 PCR negative results.
He announced this when revealing the new cross-border travel requirements.
Worth noting is that unvaccinated emaSwati required to do the PCR test which cost E500.
In his remarks, Masuku said government wished to inform the nation that COVID-19 response was de-escalated in September 2022 after having observed the continued low numbers.
“It is worth noting that we have remained vigilant in monitoring the daily number of cases closely following the early warning indicators in terms of new cases, positivity rate and number of admissions and also monitoring the circulating variants.
“Considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation, government has taken the decision to ease some of the prevailing measures. Entry into the Kingdom of Eswatini no longer requires proof of full vaccination and or a negative COVID-19 test.
“The nation and all who are considering to visit the Kingdom of Eswatini are encouraged to continue adhering to all COVID-19 prevention protocols such as, seeking care as early as possible if showing symptoms, allow air circulation by keeping windows open in mass settings, avoid close contact and opt for outdoor events, always wear a mask if having flu-like symptoms and the washing of hands with soap and water or sanitizer still remains critical,” explained Masuku.
The Acting PM also said when exiting the country, government advised travellers to follow all requirements of transit and destination countries.
“Government wishes to highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over in the country and around the world. Therefore, the nation is urged to continue to be vigilant and to apply preventive measures to remain safe
“Nevertheless the nation is urged to continue to vaccine in order to stay protected and safe. Vaccination remains free,” he said.
