26 Mar 2020

Thirty three people who entered Botswana through Kazungula Ferry, Ngoma, Road borders and Kasane International Airport yesterday, were placed under quarantine in Kasane as a measure to curb coronavirus spread.

Chobe District commissioner, Ms Sekgabo Makgosa, said in an interview that the 33 would be quarantined for 14 days as per new regulations.

She explained that 25 entered via Kazungula, two used Ngoma, one used the Road border (Botswana/Zimbabwe border) while the remaining five entered using the Kasane International Airport.

She said the 33 were citizens of Kenya, Australia, India and one Motswana.

Ms Makgosa said some were quarantined at Chobe Brigade, while those from Kasane International Airport were accommodated at Travelodge at a reduced price.

She explained that this was after Business Botswana negotiated with Travelodge to give them accommodation at half price, adding that those at the lodge were paying for themselves.

However, Ms Makgosa said they had to engage the police because people were resisting to be quarantined. “This is an arrangement that was made by government and we have to implement it,” she added.

Ms Makgosa explained that the other challenge was that they struggled to secure food for those quarantined because this was an emergency that they were not prepared for.   Ends