The Namibian government will extend the country's lockdown by 18 days as COVID-19 cases continue to be recorded across the continent.

The decision to extend the lockdown was announced by President Hage Geingob on Tuesday afternoon, who noted that the disease posed a threat to the lives of Namibians.

"COVID-19 is not only a threat to the lives of the Namibian People and the public health system, but it also bears secondary negative economic impacts on businesses, including jobs and livelihoods," President Geingob said.

"The lockdown will be extended from midnight on Friday 17 April 2020 to midnight on 4 May 2020. Effectively, the country will reopen on 5 May 2020," the Namibian presidency said.

Various African countries have imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Countries that have imposed lockdowns include Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda – which also announced a 21-day extension to its lockdown on Tuesday.

52 African countries have reported cases of COVID-19. The continent has reported close to 11,000 COVID-19 cases, with over 500 deaths. Over 1,000 people have recovered.

Source(s): Namibian Presidency