Six wellness clinics serving all the major transport routes through Namibia are helping the authorities to prevent truck drivers from spreading the Covid-19 virus.
According to Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) wellness services manager Edward Shivute, the initial screening of the drivers is done by officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) before the truck crosses any of the country’s borders.
Once the driver is in the country, he is supported by the wellness clinics which are equipped to identify Covid-19 symptoms.If an infection is suspected the driver will be isolated and referred to the MoHSS, which will put him in quarantine.There is safe parking for the vehicle and load at the wellness clinics, according to Shivute.Effectively, the truck will also be quarantined until it has been disinfected and the owner has made arrangements for another driver to continue the journey.
According to WBCG chief executive officer Mbahupu (Hippy) Tjivikua, it is not only the truck drivers who are being screened.Screening and surveillance points are operational at all cross-border posts around the country to screen everyone who enters Namibia.The stations are manned by the MoHSS in line with border operational hours (07h00 –24h0 0).– Ed Richa
