Mbabane: With the country experiencing a devastating and gory second wave of the novel COVID-19, acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku has swiftly banned sporting activities.
Effectively, this means that the MTN Premier League and MTN National First Division among other sports that were in full swing will take the backseat as the country enters a strict two-week partial lockdown beginning Friday, January 8, 2021 at midnight.
“All gatherings of all sizes are banned except for burials,” said the acting head of government in a press briefing in cabinet on Thursday.
When unpacking the pronouncement, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer Sibongiseni Zondi said, “This means that religious, social and sporting gatherings, amongst others are prohibited.”
The elite football season was expected to return to action next weekend, January 16/17 but that will no longer be the case.
Masuku said physical meetings are permitted only for a maximum 20 first line responders.
Eswatini is experiencing a deadly wave of COVID-19 amid rising numbers of confirmed cases. Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi announced 234 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, January 7, taking the country’s total cases to 10 773. Seven new deaths were recorded with the total soaring to 268.
Meanwhile, there are over 3 000 active cases as 7 377 have reportedly recovered from the sickness that is surely threatening the human race.
