21 Feb 2020

The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the government continues to monitor the plight of Batswana in Wuhan City, which is the epicentre of the Coronavirus.
A media release from the ministry says in its efforts to safeguard the welfare of Botswana citizens, government has decided that all Botswana students in Wuhan City will be provided with a temporary additional monthly allowance of P1600 for the purchase of basic necessities.
It says that a local company will be engaged to procure basic necessities such as food, water and face masks and facilitate delivery to the students’ places of residence, as well as the provision of psychological support services.
The release further says that relevant stakeholders should work out an evacuation plan of all Batswana in Wuhan City, which covers the state of preparedness for receiving the evacuees and the modalities of evacuation.
It further requests the public  to exercise patience and understanding, whilst this complex exercise is being undertaken adding that the public will be kept abreast about the status of implementation of the decisions.
The release further states that the government wishes to convey its deepest appreciation for the assistance rendered to Botswana citizens in Wuhan City and takes this opportunity to reaffirm her solidarity with the government of the People’s Republic of China.
It says Botswana remains confident that as a result of China’s concerted efforts, the Coronavirus, which is a public health emergency, will be contained and arrested in the shortest time possible. Ends