BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini has joined a host of other countries by relaxing COVID-19 regulations to Adjusted Level 0. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Sipho Cleopas Dlamini today.
Here is the Prime Minister Speech when announcing the relaxed regulations:
PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT
COVID-19 UPDATE
“It is to be noted that COVID-19 remains a pandemic that is classified by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Government remains highly cautious of the COVID-19 situation but continues to adjust the COVID-19 restrictions in line with the perceived level of risk of infection.
The country has just experienced the fifth wave of this pandemic over the past 2-3 months. Recently, there has been a reduction in the number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19, however, the Ministry of Health cautions the public to remain vigilant as there may be infections that may arise due to new variants. Public Health surveillance systems have been strengthened to identify any new surge in COVID-19 infections as soon as they begin. The Nation will be kept updated on the COVID-19 situation on a regular basis as part of keeping the Nation informed so as to take appropriate decisions to protect themselves.
Government has taken the decision to de-escalate the COVID-19 response by migrating from the current Adjusted Risk Level 1 to Adjusted Risk Level 0. Adjusted Risk Level 0 means we are shifting from the acute emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for long term sustainable integrated approach to COVID-19.
This also means a further relaxation of the existing COVID19 Regulations of 2020 with effect from today.
• The wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory in all settings; however, individuals will be free to wear a face mask based on their assessment of perceived risk of acquiring COVID-19 in any given situation.
• Hand-washing and sanitisation is encouraged at all times in all public spaces as a good health and hygiene practice.
• A person exhibiting flu-like symptoms should take the responsibility to wear a face mask or, where possible, refrain from attending public gatherings.
• Testing for COVID-19 remains available and is encouraged for all persons experiencing flu-like symptoms and if tested positive for the COVID-19, a person should wear face masks at all times if they need to go to public areas;
Travellers/point of entry into the country
• Visitors and returning residents will be required to be fully vaccinated. For fully vaccinated persons entering the country, a negative PCR test result is not required. For those who are not fully vaccinated, a negative PCR test is required.
As a warning, it is important to note that a new COVID-19 variant known as the Omicron BA.2.75 has emerged in more than 10 countries in the world and is reported to be spreading quickly in Western and Asian countries at the moment. This means that although the COVID-19 Regulations have been relaxed, the Nation is urged to continue to look out for one another and encourage people to remain responsible for their own health.
May I remind the Nation that vaccination is one of the key interventions taking us towards living with COVID-19 as a manageable disease. I therefore urge everyone eligible to vaccinate to do so, for their own health. Our data has shown that vaccination prevents severe illness, hospitalisation and death among people infected with COVID-19. Vaccines are available in the country; let us all vaccinate and also get booster doses.
We look forward to a future where COVID-19 will no longer be a concern in the country and all over the World.
Cleopas Sipho Dlamini
Prime Minister”
