30 Jul 2020

Following a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, government has revised regulations regarding gatherings and operations for the sale of liquor.

According to the Government Extraordinary Gazette Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 (Cap. 22.04) released on Thursday, this is to give direction for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

The revised regulations are such that public gatherings have been reduced to 50, a number which also applies to meetings, workshops, as well as conference and funeral services. A person is also prohibited from travelling across COVID-Zones for meetings, workshops or conferences.

Following the opening of the arts and entertainment facilities, all persons in attendance shall not exceed 50, excluding performers at facilities while the emphasis is put on observing a minimum of 30 minutes break every two hours during an activity.

All religious services have been reduced from four to two per week with no restrictions on which days or time of day and would not be more than two hours. Sale or provision for food remains suspended.

On travel across zones, it is directed that a person may only travel across COVID-19 Zones to attend the funeral of an immediate family or access his or her farm, ranch, garden, ploughing field or cattle post.

 The gazette further states that all persons coming to Botswana from high-risk countries as defined by the World Health Organisation shall not be allowed entry into the country until further notice.

Issuance of Visa at Ports of entry and at all Embassies for any person from high-risk areas is suspended with immediate effect until further notice, while current visas of persons from high-risk countries are cancelled.

Regarding the liquor restrictions, liquor will be sold for home consumption only. Bars will be open on Thursday to Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm, whereas bottle stores will operate from Thursday to Saturday at 10am to 4pm.

The liquor depot will operate on Thursday to Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm, whereas the liquor distributor and liquor wholesale will be from Monday to Wednesday at 8am to 4pm.

The gazette further states that bar restaurant will sell liquor on Thursday to Saturday from 12 noon till  6pm.

Traditional beer and liquor depot will open from Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 5pm. Nightclubs will be totally closed.

The gazette further states that the most effective prevention of transmission of COVID-19 is frequent hand washing with clean water and soap for at least 40 seconds, wearing of masks and observing of social distancing in all places with more than one person. ENDS