Eswatini is set to re-open some sectors of the economy starting from tomorrow as the country has reviewed COVID-19 restrictions.
Sectors to be resumed include schools, religious and community gatherings, low contact sports activities and liquor outlets.
In a statement on Thursday, Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku said despite the abnormalities by COViD-19, there is an obligation to navigate a way back to a new normal through well-calculated strategies.
“Government has once again reviewed these restrictions and decided to cautiously open up some sectors of the economy according to established risk levels while leaving some measures in place.
“It is critical that we do not haphazardly open up the economy at a time when several countries in Europe and Africa have started experiencing the third wave”, he said.
Religious and community gatherings together with the transport sector will resume tomorrow while liquor outlets will re-open on Monday and schools on March 29.
Measure to be Taken in Education
In the education sector, Prime Minister Masuku said the Ministry of Education and Training is working closely with the Ministry of Health, Teachers organisations and other educational partners to ensure the safety of teachers and learners.
He said adaptive facilities for the safety of teachers and learners have been put in place.
“Handwashing stations have been constructed in schools across the country to ensure hand hygiene health protocols are enforced. We continue to supply soaps, sanitisers, water tanks, scanners and face masks to all schools to replenish the already existing supplies”, he said.
Centres for testing, treating and isolation have been set in all regions to ensure easy access in schools.
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In other sectors, citizens have been advised to comply with COVID-19 regulations which include social distancing, sanitizing and mask-wearing.
Cross border travelling and other social gatherings remained banned.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Eswatini
Eswatini received its first AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine last week and the rollout commenced on
Despite negative reports on the efficacy of the use of the vaccine, Masuku said the government has widely consulted scientists and health experts who confirmed the safety of the vaccine.
As of March 17, Eswatini recorded 14 new cases and 695 active cases
