The government is committed to restarting our economy but this cannot be achieved if the virus is spreading from person to person, community to community, President Hage Geingob said Monday.

Speaking during a press conference ar State House where he announced the return to stage 1 for Erongo region, Geingob said although he understands the economic hardships, allowing the virus to spread unfettered would be even more devastating.

“I am convinced about the cost of inaction. The restrictive measures are temporary and I ask each and every resident to work with the authorities.

“If we lose control now, these measures will be put in place for a much longer time and that is a scenario we are working to avoid,” he said.

Therefore, the president said, every citizen should comply with the regulations, to achieve this shared goal.

“We must control the spread of infection, with a view to stopping it, in order to resume economic activity optimally.

“We can maintain our health in a way that protects our families, communities and also creates a safe environment to welcome tourists back, as soon as possible.

“I thank each and every one of you in advance for committing to adhere to this lockdown. It is not easy, but it is necessary. Let us not to jeopardise the progress we have made in the past several months,” he said.

According to Geingob, the government will use the time of the extended lockdown in Erongo Region to strengthen defences and the ability to care for affected communities.

“I reiterate that safeguarding the health of Namibians is our number one priority. Therefore, we will continue adhering to this process and protect the people of Namibia, to the best of our ability,” he added.

Finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi is on record saying that Namibia loses about N$2b every week the country spends under lockdown.