15 Jun 2020

The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, says Botswana responded at the right time to ensure safety of citizenry during the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Speaking during a visit to Charles Hill on June 12, he said Botswana’s quick response saved lives that could have otherwise been destryed by the pandemic.

He said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi swiftly responded to the scourge through powers bestowed on him by the constitution.

The President, he said, declared a state of emergency, a move which proved paramount in the fight against the pandemic.

He added that such powers were first used by former president, Dr Festus Mogae.

The Vice President called upon resident to abide by COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Tsogwane applauded a COVID-19 task force led by Dr Kareng Masupu for giving their precious time and service to the health needs of Batswana.

He shared that all COVID-19 testing equipment should conform to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards as well as approved by Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) and Botswana Bureau of Standards (BoBS).

The Vice President said emerging cases triggered intensive contact tracing thus delaying community testing.

He thanked all who took part in the fight against the scourge as well as those who donated in kind and in monetary terms to COVID-19 relief fund.

He said friends of Botswana  such as renowned television personality Mr Steave Harvey, donated personal protective equipment, masks for health personnel and testing equipment.

The Vice President said the COVID-19 pandemic was not yet over, hence calling on people to do things with caution.

He said attaining self-sufficiency in food production remained critical, adding that Batswana should strive to meet the demand quota. ENDS