04 Feb 2020

Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) has put measures in place for screening visitors for Coronavirus and traceability at Maun International Airport, which is one of the busiest in Africa, in terms of landings and take offs.

This was said by DHMT head, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye at a meeting with Hotel and Tourism Hospital Association of Botswana (HATAB) members, in Maun on February 2.

Dr Kebabonye observed that Matshwane Clinic, which has about seven beds, had been set aside for isolation in the event the district had suspected cases.

She said the district had not recorded any suspected cases, and that if Matshwane Clinic was to overflow, other measures would be put in place.

She said tourism operators were key in the management of Coronavirus since they dealt with many tourist arrivals and therefore cautioned them to report any suspected cases.

She also warned private medical practitioners to avoid handling any suspicious cases on their own, saying all cases must be handled together with the DHMT.

Furthermore, Dr Kebabonye said self-isolation was another important step once one has symptoms related to Coronavirus to contain the situation, urging people to practice hygiene by washing hands with soap and be in ventilated places.

North West Assistant District Commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe noted that the district was committed to helping the country address Coronavirus, imploring tourism players to work with the DHMT to ensure that suspected cases were handled appropriately.

Disease Control Division programme officer, Dr Gontse Tshisimogo from the Ministry of Health and Wellness headquarters said although Botswana had reported about five suspected cases, there had been no confirmed cases in Africa thus far.

Dr Tshisimogo said there had been 11 953 confirmed cases globally, with 11 821 cases being from China, where the Coronavirus is said to originate.

She said 23 other countries, had so far recorded cases of Coronavirus.

Dr Tshisimogo also observed that there were only two World Health Organisation accredited laboratories in Africa that handle Coronavirus tests. ENDS