Mbabane: Acting Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has slammed the public for not complying with all health precautions aimed at fighting the deadly coronavirus that has claimed over 170 lives of Emaswati.
In his statement issued on Wednesday, when launching ‘Operation Bopha’ Masuku said the government is witnessing the highest level of complacency ever experienced since COVID-19 first hit the country in March 2020.
Masuku said this it is for that reason the government had to come up with this campaign which is aimed at tightening the enforcement of the Regulations that this government has passed recently. He said the operation comprises of all stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19; which includes the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Ministry of Justice, Security Forces, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and others.
Arrest
Masuku said the operation is aimed at all Emaswati and residents who continue to flout the COVID-19 health protocols. He said a team of inspectors and security forces will be moving around countrywide to arrest.
He added that the operation also covers business establishments particularly those selling liquor and allowing people to congregate and consume alcohol at liquor outlets.
Continue
Masuku said people continue to blatantly disregard COVID-19 protocols by refusing to wear masks appropriately, allowing social distancing and sanitising properly. He said public gatherings and alcohol consumption continue unabated, as if things were normal. He said swimming pools are filled up with throngs of people, while community sporting events continue in some places.
Masuku further blasted churches for continues conducting worship services beyond the stipulated two and half hours and church continue praying for congregants by laying hands while the congregants refuse to wear masks.
He further slammed public transport driver who wear masks when they see roadblocks as if they doing police a favour.
Filling
Masuku said health facilities are filling up, and yet some people still behave recklessly. The filling up of hospital is evident by the fact that in the mid-December the ministry of health reported that Lubombo Referral Hospital and Mavuso Centre were full to capacity and people were further transferred to the Luke Commission at Sidvokodvo.
He added that it is also the responsibility of the nation to protect the frontline workers which includes health workers, security forces, essential workers and other supporting staff.
Masuku reminded about the recently introduced regulations;
- All night gatherings remain banned.
- Swimming for recreational purposes is prohibited.
- Community sporting activities remain banned.
- A person shall not consume liquor at a gathering including a family gathering of more than 20 people.
- A gathering shall not take place after 7pm.
- Night vigils and crossover events or parties are prohibited.
- Travelling between 11pm and 4am is prohibited.
- A restaurant or food outlet operator shall not sell or serve liquor to diners after 7pm.
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