06 Apr 2020

Okavango sub-district Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka has expressed concern at the rate which people request for permits to go to ploughing fields.

He also said high levels of movement within the streets of Gumare was worrisome, hence he implored residents to stay home.

Mr Waloka was also worried by some people who entered the country through ungazzetted points from Namibia, noting that such behavior was a risk and could easily spread the coronavirus.

He said three of the 31 people quarantined were caught entering the country at an ungazzetted area along the Gani village border line.

Meanwhile, the Okavango District Health Management Team (DHMT) on April 06 tested 17 people with suspected symptoms of coronavirus in Gumare on day 10 of quarantine.

The Chief Medical Officer at Gumare Primary Hospital, Dr Bokwena Moali said that after testing, their clients would wait for the results while in quarantine.

“The turnaround time for the results is supposed to be 48 hours,” she said.

On a similar issue, Dr Moali said three suspected cases tested negative in Gunotsoga, with results having been received on April 5.

“The three have been in self-isolation at Jumbo Junction Lodge in Gunotsoga since March 20, and they never interacted with other people. We decided not to extract them to our designated isolation centers because they were stable,” said Dr Moali.

She also said the DHMT continued to receive clients from Namibia through Mohembo border post, with 31 currently on quarantine at Gumare. ENDS