King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Swaziland
(eSwatini), has put the kingdom in partial lockdown in a bid to fight the
coronavirus pandemic.
The army and police will be deployed to ensure people
obey the new demands.
His Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini announced on
Tuesday (24 March 2020) people would not be allowed to leave their home except
to get or provide essential services such as healthcare,
food, or banking.
In a statement Dlamini
said, ‘His Majesty King Mswati III and Ingwenyama [the Queen Mother] has
commanded Government to introduce a partial lockdown on selected sectors of the
economy to curtail the spread of coronavirus with effect from 27 March 2020.
‘The partial lockdown
entails: For 20 days, all unnecessary movements and visits outside the
perimeters of your home are restricted except to provide or acquire essential
services such as healthcare, food, or banking services, and for the personnel
performing such services.’
To date only five people
have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, none have died and one recovered.
The Prime Minister said, ‘Essential
Industries are expected to continue operating while observing the proper
hygiene standards that will protect employees from the pandemic. The Ministry
of Commerce will provide guidance on which industries fall under essential
services.’
He added, ‘Non-essential
travel between towns, cities and regions of the country is not permitted,
except for medical reasons or to provide or acquire essential services.
Transport of food and goods will be allowed.
‘Public transport will
only operate for essential movement and with one meter distance between
passengers. All bars are closed. Bottle stores will be allowed to operate from
11am–6pm on Mondays to Saturdays. Police will be vigilant in closing illegal
drinking spots and shebeens.’
King Mswati had previously
declared
a state of emergency that closed all schools, colleges and universities. It
also banned gatherings of 50 or more people and put in place some travel
restrictions. Neighbouring South Africa had already closed some of its borders
with Swaziland.
The new measures go
further. Dlamini said, ‘All public gatherings of more than 20 people are
prohibited. This includes religious activities, sports events, conferences,
wedding celebrations, music concerts, parties, gymnasiums, or other activities
or place where the public gathers.’
He added, ‘Transport of
food and goods across the borders will continue. The army and the police will
be deployed to ensure compliance with all these measures. Chiefs and
traditional authorities will take a leading role in enforcing these measures in
their communities.’
He added, ‘Government advises
that only goods and cargo and returning citizens and legal residents will be
allowed through our borders. Returning citizens and residents will be subjected
to a mandatory 14 days quarantine at designated locations except for those who
are able to self-isolate.’
See also
Swaziland
King in self-isolation over coronavirus threat, more cases confirmed
Coronavirus:
Swaziland hospitals in crisis, PM forms emergency task groups
Swaziland
hospital thrown into confusion as suspected coronavirus patient admitted
Swaziland
nurses refuse to treat patients until they get protective equipment
Swaziland
King declares state of emergency over coronavirus. Schools closed, foreign
travel suspended
No comments:
Post a Comment