AFRICA’S GOVERNANCE RESPONSE TO COVID-19 | PRELIMINARY REPORT 2020 Box 3: Moratorium on retrenchments in Namibia Namibia Since the first recorded case on 13 March 2020, the Government of Namibia has moved swiftly in implementing measures to counter the spread of the virus. National efforts to contain the virus began by the declaration of State of Emergency on 17 March 2020 and adaptation of other containment measures. These include establishment of isolation treatment facilities, 14 days mandatory quarantine, community awareness campaign, a call centre to report suspected cases of COVID 19, as well as contact tracing, and a once-off grant payment to the most vulnerable. Despite having one of the lowest infection rates so far of the continent, the Government of Namibia has rolled out economic stimulus and relief package sto mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. These include direct support to business, household and labour market support to hardest hit sectors namely travel, tourism, aviation and construction, food and water subsidy. In addition, the government has directed the private sector to ensure no retrenchments of workers takes place during the lockdown period. The government has also unveiled plans for free water and food subsidy during the lockdown aimed at ensuring that all Namibians have access to food and portable water during the lockdown and in order to ensure public hygiene is maintained. 37