Coronavirus: Media considered 'critical service'

The Labour ministry has regarded the media as a critical service instead of an essential service.

This comes after Namibia announced a partial lockdown for the Khomas and Erongo regions, and only allowed for 'essential service' providers to be operational without any hindrance.

The lockdown that kicks off on 27 March is meant to combat the further spread of the Covid-19. Namibia currently has eight positive coronavirus cases.

Speaking to The Namibian, labour ministry executive director Bro Matthew Shinguadja explained that essential services are determined in terms of the Labour Act on application and recommendation of the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council.

“None of the media houses applied for media to be declared as such. There is a procedure required and criteria to be met before and declaration is gazetted. However, many people are confusing the essential services and 'critical services' that can be regulated by a Regulation under the State of Emergency in terms of the Constitution, “ said the executive director.