Eswatini moved to adjusted level 1

Mbabane: Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini has moved the country to adjusted level one in terms of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Despite the country moved to level one, the curfew hours remain 9pm to 4am. The eased COVID-19 restrictions include relaxations on the hosting of entertainment events, memorial services, and community meetings.

The prime minister also announced the closure of schools with immediate effect to protect children from ongoing, sporadic violence in schools.

Over the past months, Eswatini has been battling with the third wave of COVID-19 infections where it saw a number of deaths. The premier said the decision to move the country to level one was due to the decline in the number of COVID-19 infections. Making the announcement the premier noted that at the height of the third wave, the country was averaging 15 deaths per day and today the number has drastically declined and at times reporting zero deaths on successive days. “It is for this reason that Government has taken the decision to move to Adjusted Level 1,” he said.

The prime minister also announced that Memorial services will be allowed and limited to a maximum of 50 people at a time and within a duration of two and a half hours. He stated that Kufukama and Kulila remain prohibited.

On Entertainment Dlamini said outdoor entertainment events will be allowed to a maximum of 500 people. He said event organizers are expected to apply for permission with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) before hosting any entertainment event.

The premier added that liquor shall not be served at entertainment and social events, and all COVID-19 prevention protocols strictly apply.

Dlamimi also announced that the number of people allowed to indoor meetings increases to a maximum of 100 and 200 in outdoor community meetings.”

Dlamini urged the public to adhere to all precautions given, saying the relaxation of these restrictions is not an invitation to anyone to be complacent. Instead, he said there is a need to religiously adhere to all the COVID-19 precautions including washing of hands regularly and wearing face masks correctly.”

Worth noting is that the country is approaching 20 of vaccinated population. The premier urged members of the public to take their COVID-19 jab to protect themselves and others.