Following a declaration of a state of emergency over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Government has deployed several additional precautionary measures to combat the spread of the virus. The measures range from the suspension of the issuance of visas upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and a travel ban on foreign nationals by air or sea from affected countries. The countries, include the Schengen states, China, Iran, Korea, United Kingdom, United States of America and Japan. The travel is subject to review from time to time. The latest developments were announced by Health and Social Services Minister Kalumbi Shangula at State House on Tuesday. On the same day, President Hage Geingob declared a State of Emergency over COVID-19. In addition, a temporary travel suspension for 30 days for Namibians or permanent residents’ functionaries, except for special cases with prior authorisation from the Ministry of Health and Social Services and Home Affairs and Immigration, has been put in place. The special cases include persons seeking medical attention, individuals providing essential services like humanitarian assistance, truck drivers bringing food and other essential commodities into the country and Namibians returning home, among others. Those entering Namibia by way of the above criteria will be subjected to compulsory screening and quarantines may be imposed where necessary. “All leisure, business and social travel like tourists are suspended and Namibians who are residents in other countries considering to visit Namibia [are requested] to postpone such visits,” Shangula said, adding that international meetings should either be attended by officials from Namibian missions abroad or participation through video or telephone-conferencing. “All scheduled passenger flights, including private chartered flights to and from countries where there is an active local transmission, will be temporarily suspended for 30 days with immediate effect,” the minister added. This suspension is exclusive of cargo and emergency flights to and from Namibia. Furthermore, the government has directed that strict disinfection of aircraft and training of airport staff on infection prevention and control be conducted. Moreover, mandatory screening for COVID-19 at all entry points must be conducted. “All returning Namibians and permanent residents arriving from countries at high risk or from affected other countries will be subject to supervised self-quarantine for 14 days,” he said. On the front of uniformed forces, the Government will deploy health professionals, logisticians, members of the police, defence force and correctional services to assist during the state of emergency.