Namibia detects Omicron variant, Khomas fingered as epicenter

Namibia has officially confirmed the presence of the Omicron coronavirus variant after 18 cases were detected in the country.

Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula on Monday said the new variant was predominant in the Khomas region, which is largely responsible for a recent spike in new cases.

“Moving forward, Namibia has to continue strengthening surveillance and response, including immediate contact tracing of the close contacts to contain the circulation of the Variants of Concern, including Omicron Variant,” Shangula said.

“The threat posed by the Omicron Variant circulating in our country is real. This variant was detected predominantly in Khomas region and may be responsible for the increase in the new cases. From 1-5 December 2021, we have recorded 695 new infections. Out of these 536 or 77.12% are from Khomas alone. I urge you all to remain calm, but vigilant to this invisible enemy.”

Genome sequencing for the new variant was conducted locally by the University of Namibia Molecular Department.

The Health Minister noted that significant progress has been made to strengthen Laboratory and Disease Surveillance capacity.

“As you may recall, when the index case of COVID-19 was reported in Namibia, the specimen had to be shipped to National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD),in South Africa for testing. However, within a short span of time, we were able to build and create the capacity for COVID-19 testing at home,” Shangula said.

President Hage Geingob recently warned that the government may announce sterner measures next week if new COVID-19 cases continue to rise, a position largely attributed to failure to comply with protocols set and vaccination hesitancy.

“On 15 December 2021, based on the evolving health situation we may announce new measures to fight against Covid-19. If we don’t change our habits, the Government will be left with no choice and with no option, but to take stricter measures ahead of the festive season. It is not a desirable course of action. However, if the cases continue to rise and the citizens don’t change their behaviour, it will be the only sensible thing to do. Protecting the health of our nation has always been the priority since the onset of this pandemic and the Government will not hesitate to impose new measures in the interest of our nation,” he said adding, “It is not a time to panic – but to be vigilant as we put in place measures to deal with this new Covid-19 variant.”

Symptoms to look out for with Omicron include: