31 Mar 2020

Southern District chairperson, Mr Thamiso Chabalala has urged Batswana to exercise self-restraint to prevent the possible spreading of COVID-19 in the country.

Briefing the district COVID-19 executive team in Kanye recently, Mr Chabalala said it was imperative to partake in the fight against the disease to ensure that the country was free from the virus.

He called for alertness and joined efforts in the fight to thwart the possible spread of coronavirus.

Mr Chabalala said to minimise the transmission and spread of coronavirus in the country, there was need for a speedy response to the pandemic to ensure all remained safe, saying non-essential trips to affected countries would rescue the situation.

He said some individuals may risk their health as well as spreading coronavirus by going to South Africa to service cars, to subscribe for DSTV as well as buying suits, tagging that as non-essential.

However, he noted that seeking medical attention would be necessary.

He noted that no entry into the country would be allowed for non-citizens except trucks carrying goods with a letter of consent that spelled out stop points within the country. He added that only trade and essential services would be allowed to cross the border.

Mr Chabalala said they were working round the clock to ensure water reticulation within the district, and pointed out that those who were disconnected would be connected so as to heighten precautionary measures against COVID-19.

Acting Officer Commanding No.14 District, Senior Superintendent Gregory Mojobe said they increased the number of law enforcement officers to patrol the border along Phitshane-Molopo with a view to combat the possible spread of COVID-19.

He said they also roped in the services of Botswana police air support wing to augment the ground forces to patrol borders.

To further strengthen COVID-19 prevention measures, all people coming from South Africa through the Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Pioneer Gate, Tlokweng borders and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport would be placed under mandatory quarantine for 14 days at facilities that have been identified. A press release from the

Ministry of Health and Wellness says anyone refusing mandatory quarantine will be liable to a fine as per Section 25 of the Health Act of 2013.
Botswana has recorded three confirmed cases of COVID-19. ENDS