Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu said the ministry has received close to 10 900 applications of businesses wanting to operate as essential services. Of those 6 700 permits have been issued so far, while 2 600 have been rejected and 1 600 are pending. The ministry started issuing permits on 30 March. She also added that the ministry has revised its procedures and on 24 April the previous regulations will phase out. She emphasised that the rejected permits sometimes is due to people trying their luck or permits which have been previously rejected. Minister Iipumbu said they have also made provisions in the clothing sector, especially baby clothing, maternity wear and an extension to winter materials has been introduced as we are approaching the winter season. She added that dry cleaners will also be opened. The minister added that the ministry has revisited regulations on the building material sector, to make provisions for the quarantine facilities to be fixed. She emphasised that the reviewing of sectors is to determine critical sectors for the provision of essential services. Regarding rental payments, Iipumbu said they have not received any complaints, therefore, calling on tenants to approach the ministry and register their complaints. Vitalis Ndalikokule, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Namibia Competition Commission (NACC) issued a warning to retailers who increase prices unnecessarily. He said measures are in place to regulate price control for businesses providing essential services related to COVID-19, especially those listed in the regulations to be gazetted. Ndalikokule urged retailers to comply with the set regulations as there are penalties to violating such regulations. He also called on consumers who are picking up price increase to report that to the commission. The duo said this during an update at the COVID-19 Communication Centre.