Mbabane: Eswatini is on stage 2, and entering stage 3 in the fight against COVID-19, the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has said.
Dlamini announced this on Friday in a press conference held at the Cabinet offices which was aimed at giving an update about the COVID-19 updates.
“At an incremental basis, the partial lockdown will be downgraded in complete conformity to a phased approach which is a recommended guideline by the World Health Organization (WHO),” the PM said.
A total of five phases have been designed following guidelines from WHO to fight the pandemic.
The phases are from Phase 1 – 5, and Phase 1 representing the elementary level of suppression of an active situation and Phase 5 signifying an advanced level where COVID-19 is completely neutralized with no new infections.
Here are the stages which the country will use as a guide in the fight of COVID-19:
Phase 1 is suppression of covid-19 in stopping the spread through various methods along with core measures put in place by government.
Phase 2 is the management of the pandemic through clinical and non-clinical means. Mass testing and identification of covid-19 positive people for treatment.
Phase 4 cure and vaccine found and used to treat Eswatini population.
Phase 5 no new infections or reinfections, and proper surveillance methods.
The premier reiterated that Eswatini is already on Phase 2 and entering Phase 3.
Reaching Phase 5 which translate to a complete ease of the economy and “will be made possible by our collective efforts and sacrifice as a nation.”
“As we move along, these phases and depending on the fluidity of the progress and an obtaining situation on the ground, we might move forward, or backward or both. We may also stay on two phases at the same time,” the PM said.
He emphasized that the country cannot move forward just for the sake of gaining progression but we will do so in a systematic manner.
Dlamini said in the several months to come he hopes the country could have reached the fifth phase, and by then, it (country) will look back and be proud of efforts they put as a united force.
Dlamini pointed to the fact that that the easing of partial lockdown came into effect and was mainly targeted at giving the economy space to breath and allow industries mainly in the manufacturing and production sector with international orders to fulfil to operate.
He went on to say that COVID-19 regulations remain effective and every person staying in Eswatini is expected to abide by the measures of the partial lockdown.
Dlamini encouraged the nation to continue staying at home in bid to curb the spread of the virus, adding that people should avoid going out unless there is a pressing need.
He emphasized that people must abide by the Ministry of Health and the WHO guidelines by washing hands regularly with soap and running water, practice social distance and avoid touching the face. When coughing, people are expected to cover their mouth and to wear a face masks. In case of emergency people should call 977.
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