The initial lockdown regulations were amended in May and the country entered Stage 2 phase of the Covid-19 State of Emergency. Swimming activities resumed in Namibia from the 11th May 2020, albeit on a severely restricted basis. At this time, only three out of seven NASU registered clubs were able to became operational. The number of athletes/training hours were lessened and strict health and safety regulations were adhered to in order to minimize risk of infection. The coastal town of Swakopmund suffered a temporary setback due to a large number of infections recorded in neighboring Walvis Bay. From 1st June, under the Stage 3 emergency regulations, three more clubs resumed training hence six out of seven swimming clubs are currently active in Namibia. Our 2020 Short Course competition season was scheduled to begin in May. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic onset, three galas were cancelled. Since, on the 29th June, the country (with exception of one region) progressed onto Stage 4 State of Emergency phase, the sport codes are permitted to hold local competitions/tournaments with the approval of the Namibian sports commission. The events must be spectator-free. NASU applied for a permission to host two galas (on 7-8 August and 4-5 September) in Windhoek, Oranjemund and Swakopmund. We are awaiting the formal endorsement. Currently, the travel between all regions in Namibia is permitted with the exception of parts of Erongo (which are badly affected by the pandemic). The international borders are closed to all non-essential travelers. Although, plans to reopen the tourism sector are afoot, it remains unclear when this will happen. The Namibian Sports Commission indicated that no international tournaments will be permitted until mid September and even then the situation will be closely monitored before any relaxation of rules in this regard is announced.
