09 Feb 2020

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Mr Setlhomo Lelatisitswe says government adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, hence Novel Coronavirus testing in South Africa.

Briefing Members of Parliament on the results of the five suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus on February 7, Mr Lelatisitswe indicated that they used the WHO referenced laboratories in South Africa, saying they were only two in Africa with another one in Senegal. 

He said government sent specimen to South Africa and government trusted a WHO referenced lab. He indicated that the results for all five suspected cases came out negative.

He said two of the five patients had been released while three were still in the incubation period for 14 days and they were still under observation.

 He said those who had been released were also monitored to check their health status regarding the virus. Mr Lelatisitswe further added that measures were in place to maintain the status quo on the two released patients. 

He said they were on self-isolation at home and encouraged to take precautions while on self-isolation. 

He said they had been provided with face masks as well.

Further, he indicated that government, through the embassy in China, was making all efforts to assist students in China, and added that those who were in Wuhan were on self-isolation and the embassy had put in place measures to provide them with necessities such as face masks, water and food to ensure their safety.

He also said the embassy was tracing Batswana in China to provide them with necessary help.

Mr Lelatisitswe also noted that screenings at all entry ports in Botswana was ongoing for all arrivals. 

However, he said government had not restricted any travel movements, but rather cautioned individuals on safety measures when they embark on travelling.

The minister indicated that government did not take light the Coronavirus, hence efforts to promptly act on any case presented. 

He further advised the public to postpone unnecessary travel to affected countries, improve personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing and proper waste disposal. ENDS