Government says there are no reasons to put this year’s Independence celebrations on hold as suggested by some members of the public who fear that the gathering puts Namibians at the risk of being infected with the Coronavirus. Answering a question by SWANU president, Dr Tangeni Iiyambo, Health and Social Services Minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula says plans for Independence Day celebrations are in no way affected by the worldwide outbreak of the virus. Some countries around the world have suspended major public gatherings, including sports activities. Others have closed their borders. Iiyambo wanted to know from the Health Minister whether Namibians will be at risk on independence day. Shangula says from the public health point of view, there is no evidence pointing to the risk of holding public gatherings in Namibia. As to whether Namibia is considering closing its borders, the Health Minister says it remains an issue to be studied and approached with care. He says the primary measure in place is to avoid the importation of the disease. This is done by disallowing conferences with international participants. It is not clear whether this includes international heads of state and governments and delegations invited to join Namibia in the celebrations. Fears in Namibia keep increasing as South Africa has now confirmed 17 cases of Coronavirus.