Namibia’s biggest trade fair cancelled again due to rising COVID-19 cases

WINDHOEK: JUNE 30 – Namibia’s biggest trade fair, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF), has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to rising COVID-19 cases, organizers said Wednesday.

The decision to cancel the event was made to protect the health and safety of visitors, employees, exhibitors, and other stakeholders, the OATF preparatory committee said in a statement.

“The heightening risks and overwhelming concerns about COVID-19 served as a scale for the OATF not to proceed with the fair during such an unprecedented global situation,” spokesperson Jackson Muma said.

A fund-raising gala dinner and official launch of the trade fair, which was scheduled for this coming Saturday, has also been called off due to restrictions on public gatherings.

-XINHUA