MBABANE – Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has announced that schools will reopen on 9 August 2021 under adjusted Level 3.
“This opening is preceded by the roll-out of a vaccination exercise for all teachers and education workers from today to the end of the week,” he said.
The PM also announced that shops will now open from 7am to 6pm while food outlets such as restaurants, including petrol stations, will close at 7pm effective midnight today.
“Let me remind the public that gatherings are not permitted and only a maximum of 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors can attend community meetings. Night vigils, kufukama and memorial services remain strictly prohibited,” the PM said.
“In the past seven days, we lost 46 emaSwati to this virus, with 3 215 new infections. No one is immune from getting this virus & certainly no better intervention will stop the spread more than full compliance to the COVID-19 regulations and health protocols,” he said.
He said understandably, many people are fatigued of hearing the same message over and over again, yet the virus still lurks from all shadows without showing any signs of retreat.
When speaking about vaccines, the PM stated tat by the end of this month, government expect to have received about 60 000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with deliveries to be made in weekly batches.
He disclosed that the end of September will see the delivery of 100 000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
“While vaccination is voluntary, it is important for all eligible emaSwati to get vaccinated to ensure that, as a country, we reach herd immunity as soon as practically possible,” he said.
In conclusion, the PM stated that it has been a long road of many twists and turns as government attempts to save more lives and allow the economy to function expediently during a volatile enemy.
“We cannot lose hope, nor should we take off our eyes from the ultimate responsibility of protecting and promoting the lives of emaSwati. Asichubeke sinakane, futsi sibe ngumgcini walomunye khona sitophepha sisonkhe,” he said.
