Following the announcement that a state of emergency has been declared due to the confirmation of two cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Namibia, all court hearings will take place without public attendance. This decision by the government was revealed by Health and Social Services Minister, Kalumbi Shangula. This is part of several other measures that the Government has since deployed to tackle COVID-19 head-on. “All pending matters in court will be postponed in absentia for 30 days,” Shangula said. The Government has also ordered that separate detention facilities be availed for incoming accused persons or suspects and that routine screening for COVID-19 should be conducted before admission. Decongestion procedures will also be implemented at police cells. “For a period of 30 days following the adoption of this measure, visits to correctional facilities and police holding cells should be restricted to limited numbers of family members as determined by the relevant authorities,” Shangula noted. Moreover, health facilities, both private and state-owned, are mandated to immediately report all suspected COVID-19 cases using set definitions as well as taking specimens and packaging according to the set standard operating procedures. In addition, a triage system and mandatory screening should be implemented at all health facilities countrywide. The Health Ministry is further tasked with coordinating the provision of protective clothing for personnel. The minister added that for the next 30 days, large gatherings of more than 50 people will be suspended. This includes schools, religious gatherings, weddings, funerals and all parades for uniformed forces. “Deaths and funerals related to COVID-19 will be handled by the Government with psychological support to the family. For 30 days following the adoption of this measure, owners of public transport are to provide hand sanitizers and masks to all their clients,” Shangula noted. More so, accommodation establishments countrywide have amongst others been directed to provide sanitisers and masks to all staff and to note the full travel history and next destination of guests. “Public awareness messages and campaigns should be intensified using all media avenues and platforms to reach every community member,” the minister appealed. On the economic side of things, Government has ordered all its offices, ministries and agencies to explore the possible impact of coronavirus on their business. Further, Namibian officials must engage their South African counterparts as a matter of urgency “on the reciprocity of visa arrangement for business people and on the exit and entry points that should not be closed to allow for the flow of trade and further mitigate the shortage of suppliers (consumable goods) to Namibia.” “The Ministry of Finance and Bank of Namibia are directed to conduct a thorough impact assessment of COVID-19 on the economy, as well as on the financial stability, and the outcome should be presented at the next meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Economic Sector,” Shangula said.