PM warns – Still no cure for covid-19

Mbabane: Despite opening of the economy and allowing movement of people, there is still no cure for the COVID-19 virus.

Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has warned the nation that despite the easing of the partial lockdown to gradually open the economy by allowing business to operate people must act responsible as there is no cure for the coronavirus.

Speaking at the cabinet offices on Friday the Prime Minister said “while we strategically open up our economy, it is important to emphasize that there is still no cure or vaccine for COVID 19”.

“The worst might not yet be totally behind us, but our collective resolve will see us through. The success of all our COVID 19 intervention efforts rests with all of us. We have a personal responsibility to protect ourselves and others”, he said.

Dlamini said it was therefore essential that emaSwati continue to observe all the health precautions to protect ourselves and others from getting infected.

He said emaSwati must continue to wash hands regularly with running water and soap and using a sanitizer in the absence of water.

“Use other non-touch methods of greeting instead of shaking hands”.

“Observing social distancing and maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre from each other at all times”.

“Wearing a mask in public places and at home when one experiences flu like symptoms”.

“Avoiding touching your face (mouth, nose, eyes)”.

“Cleaning all high touch surfaces in our home and business regularly”.

The Premier said government will continue with the national COVID-19 sensitization exercise which has already covered all Tinkhundla in three regions of the Kingdom, namely Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni. The exercise will soon be escalated to cover all communities of the country across all regions, he said.

Moreover Dlamini said Government appreciates the wise counsel and support of Their Majesties as we carefully open up the economy to save our way of life and economy.

“We cannot ignore the role played by health workers and all front line workers who continuously put their lives on the line to save lives”. “We continue to acknowledge with appreciation the assistance from the Republic of China Taiwan who have also provided specialist doctors whose presence has been extended by a further month”, he said.