Swaziland (eSwatini) has recorded its first death from
the coronavirus (COVID-19), Minister
of Health Lizzie Nkosi confirmed on Thursday (16 April 2020).
It came a day after the Swazi Government announced
it would extend a 20-day partial lockdown for another three weeks but relax
many of the restrictions.
Public transport will be allowed to continue to
operate normally. It had been restricted to running only in the early morning
and late afternoon.
Nkosi told a press briefing the victim was a man, aged
59. He had been admitted to the kingdom’s COVID-19 facility in Mbabane on Monday.
He had been diagnosed with pneumonia and diabetes mellitus on admission. He was
given ‘oxygen therapy’ but his condition deteriorated and he died on Wednesday.
She also announced the 17th confirmed case of
coronavirus. She said to date of the 17, eight people had recovered.
At the same briefing Minister
of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe announced
public transport would now operate during normal working hours as a
response to the extended partial lockdown period previously announced by Prime
Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.
He said, ‘The operation
of public transport is essential. Buses, taxis and minibuses shall operate at
70 percent capacity on condition that all occupants wear face masks.’
He added, ‘All
passengers boarding public transport must have their hands washed with water
and soap or sanitised prior to boarding.’
Ndwandwe said it was the
duty of the passenger to provide themselves with face masks. ‘Public transport
drivers must not allow commuters to board vehicles without face masks.’
He added, ‘All
cross-border road passenger movements to neighbouring countries remain
prohibited for the duration of the partial lockdown. Private vehicles shall not
exceed 70 percent carrying capacity and all shall be compelled to wear masks
during the course of travel.’
He said, ‘Private
vehicles shall not operate a taxi service or load passengers for gain.’
At the same briefing Minister
of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced that Monday, 20 April 2020 would be
a public holiday to celebrate King Mswati III’s birthday which falls this year
on Sunday 19 April.
See also
Swaziland’s
absolute monarch extends coronavirus lockdown: P.M. statement
Swaziland
bans alcohol production and sales, threatens media as coronavirus lockdown
extended
Assault
on human rights follows coronavirus lockdown in Swaziland
More
reports of police and army violence against civilians as Swaziland coronavirus
lockdown continues
