MBABANE: Dr Simon Zwane, the Principal Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Health has announced new COVID 19 operational guidelines at the points of entry in the country.

In a Memorandum released on Monday addressed to Port Health Officers ,the Health PS said truck drivers and daily commuters including teachers and scholars were exempted from the COVID-19 negative PCR test requirement as they were classified under essential travel. They would, however be subject to COVID-19 screening by the Port Health Officers.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on the new developments, the Principal Secretary clarified that the exemption did not apply to students and teachers who would be relocating to South Africa.

“The exemption only applies to those who will be commuting daily, those who will be relocating to South Africa will need to do the PCR test”, he said.

When reached for comments, Colani Maseko, the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) said there was a need to prioritise the lives of students more than anything hence as a union they were rejecting the new arrangement.

“All students crossing the border should be tested for free, including those who will be commuting daily.Travelling is expensive these days, government should meet the students half way and offer free COVID 19 tests since most of the students are poor. There is a need to regularly test those who will be commuting, we cannot sacrifice their lives in the name of essential travel. Depending only on the COVID 19 screening would be a disaster”, said the SNUS President.