Today’s COVID-19 Communication Centre update included regional Governors who gave updates on how their regions are responding to the challenges brought about by the outbreak of the pandemic. Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua said Ramatex was offered as a quarantine facility. 57 010 were registered for food aid and 7 210 food parcels were distributed. Informal markets including Soweto, Okahandja Park and Oshetu Market to be opened tomorrow after a Ministry of Health inspection. Khomasdal Stadium houses 95 people and 271 are accommodated at Katutura Youth Centre. The Governor expressed concern over misinformation being distributed through social media. She suggested that all donations be channelled through the office of the chief regional officer (CRO). Water supply to residents of informal settlements is ongoing. Add that the private sector should help in making food available. EIG is giving us a headache. We have asked for data from the Finance Ministry to see who received and who should be considered for food aid. Neville Itope of Erongo said they are worried about the movement of people. Karibib roadblock remains busy. The Youth Hostel in Swakopmund is now used to host vulnerable people. Tourism, exports and open markets are severely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. The newly appointed Governor said there’s a need to start producing our own products and stop relying on imports. James Uerikua of Otjozondjupa said the agriculture sector in that region has been hit hard and mining operations have been scaled down. Tourism, small scale farmers, vendors and hawkers are all affected. The region is working on modalities to reopen markets. Personnel at roadblocks have been beefed up. All medical personnel have been trained but the region needs personal protective equipment for them. The newly appointed Governor said 6 800 bags of maize meal bags were received. Food is distributed door to door to those who indicated they need help to avoid people gathering in large numbers. He said E-learning has been affected as network coverage is a challenge in certain areas. Zambezi Region’s Lawrence Sampofu said those at Impalila Island are assisted with transport as they can’t buy food in Botswana as the borders have been shut. He said 81 illegal immigrants have been apprehended. Those withdrawing their Emergency Income Grant (EIG) have caused havoc in town in Katima Mulilo with movement and the gathering of large numbers. Markets will open tomorrow only for those selling foodstuffs. Pijoo Nganate of Omaheke said COVID-19 challenged them to think out of the box. Water has been opened to those who were closed due to non-payment. Protective clothing for medical personnel remains a challenge. Over 26 000 bags of maize meal and cans of fish will be distributed door to door. He asked the fishing sector to come on board to assist with food relief. Stock theft in Epukiro reared its ugly head said Nganate. Erginus Endjala of Omusati said his region settled on an awareness campaign on the radio. Olufuko Centre is made available to Angolans who can’t go back. Some communities still don’t understand why the state of emergency was declared. All traders were registered under three categories. Food shortage is an ongoing challenge in the region. 33 900 bags of maize meal were received and divided under the constituencies. Walde Ndevashiya of Ohangwena said isolation units at hospitals were prepared. NIDA availed properties that can be used for quarantine facilities. All markets could be opened next week after they have been cleaned and sanitised. Reconnection of water has been complied with by all local authorities in the region. Closing of businesses has affected many people. Business people are awaiting communication about the stimulus for businesses. People need food. Bonifatius Wakudumo of Kavango East said Rundu opened water for those who were cut off. NWR made properties available as quarantine facilities. Business, both formal and informal, have been affected negatively. Elia Irimari of Oshana said combined forces of all hospitals. Businessman Erastus Shapumba offered a house which the region is using. Thirty volunteers are informing communities on the seriousness of the pandemic. The region has distributed food to needy communities. Churches also helped with this. The region is cooperating well with security forces. Marius Sheya of Kunene said communities have been informed on their vernaculars about the pandemic. Quarantine and isolation facilities have been identified. The region has reached out to the private sector to help needy communities. Just before COVID-19, Government gave N$21 million to drill boreholes and improve water infrastructure in different communities in the region. Tourism is a stronghold for the region which has been adversely affected. Sheya said Namibians are strong and resilient. We shall overcome. Let’s take care of ourselves.