King Mswati III, the
absolute monarch of Swaziland (eSwatini), is in self-isolation due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
Lusendvo Fakudze, the
Ludzidzini Palace Governor, confirmed this to the Swaziland
News, an online newspaper.
Fakudze said no one was
allowed to see the King. He would not comment on reports circulating on social
media that King Mswati was no longer in Swaziland.
Meanwhile, the Swazi Minister
of Health Lizzie Nkosi reported that three more people in the kingdom had
tested positive for the virus, also known as covid-19. The known total of
positive cases is four. One person who earlier tested positive has since
recovered.
In a statement Nkosi said
37 test results had been received. Swaziland has no resources and tests have to
be sent to neighbouring South Africa for analysis. The population of Swaziland
is about 1.3 million people.
Nurses, doctors and other healthcare
workers continue to refuse to treat
patients in hospitals and clinics until they get personal protection
equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns. They also lack soap, paper towels
and hand sanitisers in toilets and consultation rooms.
Among the facilities affected
are Mbabane Government Hospital, Mankayane, Mkhuzeni, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial
hospitals and Lobamba Clinic.
The Swazi Government said money
had been made available to buy equipment and it now was waiting for suppliers
to tender for purchase contracts. No date has been announced for the equipment
to arrive at hospitals and clinics.
King Mswati has already declared a state of emergency
and schools, colleges and universities are closed. Gatherings of 50 or more
people are banned and travel restrictions are in place.
On Monday (23 March 2020) Minister
of Tinkhundla Administration David Ngcamphalala said, ‘Government has
observed with disappointment that gatherings are continuing as usual. We
request communities to adhere to the set guidelines during community gatherings
such as weddings, funerals, community meetings, church services and family
gatherings.’
He added
police would be sent to enforce the ban on gatherings if requested by regional
administrators.
See also
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
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