At least 41 people from
across Swaziland (eSwatini) were arrested for not obeying the coronavirus
lockdown during its first weekend.
Chief Police Information
and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said nine had been
charged under the Coronavirus Regulations
just issued, three were arrested using the Disaster Management Act and the rest
were charged under the Liquor Act.
Some paid an ‘admission of guilt
fine’ that ranged between E120 and E500 and others were due to appear in magistrates
court on Monday (30 March 2020). Most of those were arrested after bottle stores
were not closed at stipulated times. Bars have been closed completely.
New regulations were
published on Saturday after Swaziland was placed on a partial lockdown
for 20 days. The kingdom was already under a state of emergency.
On Monday Swazi Minister of
Health Lizzie Nkosi told a press briefing
there had been no new cases reported of coronavirus in Swaziland. The total reported
so far is nine. There have been no deaths. She said tests had been sent to neighboring
South Africa for analysis but some had been rejected because, ‘priority for
testing is being given to people who have travelled or have been in close
contact with positive patients.’
She added, ‘Government has
hired 145 nurses and six doctors and will also be opening four more clinics at
Lundzi, Mkhwakhweni, Zindwendweni and Maphalaleni to strengthen the country’s
capacity to fight COVID-19.
We are expecting that this week we should be able to add 110 nurses and nine
doctors.’
The Ministry of Health is
to test pupils and staff
at a school in the Hhohho Region for coronavirus after a teacher tested
positive. They have been asked to self-isolate until results are known.
Meanwhile, the
government has received a
donation of E4.5 million for the coronavirus fund from members of Business Eswatini.
On Sunday Minister of Public Works Chief
Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe announced that public transport would only be allowed operate
from 5am to 9am and then again from 3pm to 7pm for the duration of the lockdown.
See also
Swaziland
Govt publishes coronavirus regulations
New
offence of spreading coronavirus rumours in Swaziland carries possible five
years jail time
Swaziland
coronavirus partial lockdown Day1 – P.M. statement
King
puts Swaziland into partial lockdown in bid to beat coronavirus. Army and
police on standby
Swaziland
King declares state of emergency over coronavirus. Schools closed, foreign
travel suspended
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