- The country continues to record an average of 40 new infections per day
- Masuku encouraged citizens to remain cautious and vigilant in order to win the fight against the pandemic.
Mbabane: Acting Prime Minister of Eswatini Themba Masuku has announced a two-week extension of the current partial lockdown restrictions in Eswatini with effect from Thursday midnight.
Masuku made this announcement during a press conference held at the cabinet offices on thurday afternoon.
Making the announcement Masuku said “As a Nation, we are a distance away from attaining the sort of comfort that would allow us to ease our restrictions.”
He noted that the country is beginning to see a decline in the numbers of infections and fatalities since the enhanced partial lockdown restrictions came into effect. However, he said the country is still not receiving adequate comfort to signal that “we are out of the woods.”
The country continues to record an average of 40 new infections per day, at a time when health experts have warned of a third wave which is sadly projected to be even deadlier.
Masuku highlighted that our prevention and containment systems still need a breather, especially our frontline workers who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to protect the nation, a majority of whom have not had the luxury of a rest for close to a year.”
He noted that with regards to government’s decision making they continue to use science based evidence and to rely on the advice and projections of our researchers and epidemiologists. “We also consider inputs from other relevant stakeholders such as faith, economic and social sectors” he said.
As of February 18, 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 637 lives in Eswatini, with over 16 673 infections.
Masuku encouraged citizens to remain cautious and vigilant in order to win the fight against the pandemic. “If anything, we still need to be more vigilant in our push to combat the spread of the virus; by continuing to stick to the COVID-19 protocols of regularly washing hands with running water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizer; observing social distancing, avoiding crowds and wearing masks appropriately at all times”.
