The Kingdom of Eswatini has released an official statement in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping the world, after the Southern African nation confirmed its first case on Saturday March 14, 2020.
As of today, all public and private gatherings attracting up to fifty or more have been suspended until further notice. As a result of the ban, the Army day celebration, Good Friday and Easter Services have been suspended, while the King’s Birthday celebration is cancelled.
The official statement was issued by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the full details can be read below…
Statement from His Excellency The Prime Minister of The Kingdom Of Eswatini on COVID-19
I have been commanded by His Majesty King Mswati Ill and Ingwenyama to invoke section 29 of the Disaster Management Act 2006 to declare a State of Emergency in the Kingdom of Eswatini with immediate effect for a period not exceeding two (2) months.
Schools and Tertiary Institutions must be closed with immediate effect until further notice. The King has further commanded the Government to ensure that all emaSwati students abroad and citizens in the diaspora are protected and safe from the pandemic.
Government, Parastatals and Companies, including Supermarkets, Shopping Centres and all entities are urged to bolster hygiene control and to keep their workplaces safe for both workers and customers.
All public & private gatherings attracting 50 or more people are suspended until further notice. These include conferences, funerals, weddings, entertainment, sporting activities, funerals etc. Visits to hospitals & Correctional Services are suspended.
Foreign nationals coming from COVID-19 high-risk countries will be restricted from entering the country until further notice. Visas to enter Eswatini already issued to citizens of high-risk countries will be revoked from 20 March 2020.
As a result: The Army day is suspended, Good Friday & Easter Services are suspended & the King’s Birthday celebration is cancelled. The budget set aside for the King’s birthday celebration will be re-directed to the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The one positive case is managed well. Contact tracing and tests are being conducted. The Ministry of Health continues to train more responders at Public health and health facility levels.
Government is working with WH0 and other partners to build capacity for detection and diagnosis of coronavirus locally. A plan has been drawn and costed to install a BSL level 3 influenza laboratory at the Lubombo Referral Hospital.
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