Mbabane – Just when the country recorded over 1000 new COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini has announced new eased COVID-19 restrictions under Adjusted Risk Level 1 with effect from midnight.
Some of the adjusted measures include the end of curfew and the return of normal operating hours for most businesses.
The premier, in a press briefing this afternoon said, “Government is cognizant of the need to balance the restrictions related to COVID-19 with the need to attain full economic recovery. We are at a time of the year where most businesses especially in the consumer sector, including hospitality, food distribution and entertainment sector, expect to increase economic activity.”
The prime minister said there will no longer be a curfew at any time of the day. He said this was meant to allow free movement of tourists and citizens returning home for the festive season. Dlamini said most businesses return to normal operating hours as per their licences with the exception of discos and night clubs which remain closed.
“Entertainment activities will be allowed only in open spaces and subject to COVID-19 precautions. Night vigils, kufukama and cooking during funerals remain prohibited. The relaxed restrictions will, however, be monitored and reviewed as and when necessary,” he said.
The PM added, “Government has noticed a substantial increase in the number of new COVID-19 infections over the past week. This, therefore, is a call to every liSwati and residents of Eswatini to continue doing everything in their power to protect themselves and their loved ones; by consistently observing all COVID-19 health protocols.”
The premier further divulged, “Notwithstanding the rise in COVID-19 figures, it is encouraging to note that no COVID-19 deaths have been reported over the past 20 days. Hospitalisation is also relatively low. This is contrary to what was observed during the first, second and third waves, where the rise in new cases was matched by the rise in COVID-19 related deaths.”
The PM concluded, “Allow me to congratulate all emaSwati who have taken the COVID-19 vaccination since early in the year when the first batch arrived in the country. Even though vaccination is currently at a low 24 percent, we are encouraged to note an increase in the number of learners who are getting vaccinated.”
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