06 Apr 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will, on Wednesday, ask Parliament to approve a six months state of emergency in order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Briefing leaders of opposition parties in Gaborone today (April 6), President Masisi said the severity of the challenge posed by COVID-19 required concerted action over a sustained period of time and the current 21-day state of emergency might not be sufficient.

Dr Masisi said the novel coronavirus had spread rapidly and was now wreaking havoc in first world health systems, necessitating stringent interventions globally.

"Given our frail limitations, we have taken a position that our ultimate line of defence is our capacity to prevent. We have up to 150 intensive care unit beds nationally, whereas we could potentially need up to 2 000 ICU beds if the virus rapidly escalates in numbers," said Dr Masisi .

Last week, President Masisi announced a 21-day state of emergency and a 28-day period of extreme social distancing.

According to the Constitution, the president is limited to calling for a 21-day state of emergency and needs parliamentary approval for an extended one.

Dr Masisi said the Director of Public Health had authority to call for a lockdown under these circumstances, but the powers of the director were limited in scope since he could not mobilise the army, police and other elements of the apparatus of the state to ensure compliance.

"After excruciating debates in cabinet, we finally settled on a state of emergency to address the shortcomings of relying solely on the Public Health Act," Dr Masisi said. President Masisi said government would work on a campaign to mitigate the impact on businesses and learning.

He further explained that the intention of government was to mobilise all resources to fight coronavirus and promised that there was no intention to abuse anyone's rights.

President Masisi said during Wednesday's parliamentary session, every Member of Parliament (MP) would be allowed to debate in a live televised session, before a decision could be reached.

As per parliamentary protocol, the Leader of the House and Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, Leader of the Opposition Mr Dumelang Saleshando and leaders of minority parties will be given more time than other members. ENDS