16 Aug 2020

Botswana has as at August 10, registered 203 new cases, says Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Lemogang Kwape .

Announcing the end of the Greater Gaborone COVID-19 zone lockdown on August 13, Dr Kwape said the new cases marked an unprecedented 130 per cent increase in the number of affected Batswana within two weeks.

Dr Kwape said one death was also recorded, bringing the number of COVID-19 related casualties to three. He said unlocking the zone while COVID-19 positive cases continued to escalate was a precarious situation, and thus urged all to adhere to all appropriate control measures in place.

Acknowledging that despite the continued increase in positive cases, lives must continue, he said government encouraged all to adapt to the new normal of surviving in the COVID-19 era.

The greater Gaborone COVID-19 zone went into lockdown on the midnight of July 30, as a consequence of unprecedented increase in COVID-19 positive cases, mostly in schools.

Dr Kwape lamented that notwithstanding the lockdown, the number of COVID-19 positive cases had been increasing, putting a strain on resources.  

He said to-date, 157 COVID-19 patients were active and admitted at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, with one on a ventilator machine and the other on oxygen support.

“Let us agree, that as Batswana, the government, community and individuals, we have no choice, but to continue to put our health ahead of other considerations, Dr Kwape said. He said it was at times like this that Batswana must draw their inspiration from their history of overcoming similar challenges, having managed to reverse the adversity, which HIV had made against them in the 1990s and 2000s.

As a country and as a cooperative nation, Dr Kwape said ‘together, we have among others, survived devastating droughts over the decades,’ adding that the COVID-19 pandemic, called for the same approach and resilience mentality.

“We are a strong people, and therefore to thrive again we must stand united, vigilant and observe all COVID-19 regulations, particularly those covering the limiting of movement, promoting social distancing, washing of hands frequently with clean water and soap, wearing masks correctly and registering at service points,” he stressed.

Dr Kwape said unlocking of greater Gaborone zone lockdown as of August 13 midnight was done with conditions, particularly those affecting re-opening of schools, such as the reopening in a phased manner, with consideration given to completing classes.

He also stated that despite the unlocking of greater Gaborone zone, the sale of alcohol across the whole country remained suspended.

Dr Kwape emphasised the need for universal change in behaviour and conduct as a matter of urgency.

“We therefore need to work together with a common understanding, embrace and support government efforts of containing the disease fully. Let us remain hopeful, let us have faith and let us not let our guard down. The fight is for us to conquer and we can do that through collaboration,” he said.

He said the Presidential COVID-19 Task Team was equally affected by the pandemic as 10 of its staff members recently tested positive to the virus.

Dr Kwape wished those infected with the coronavirus and admitted for treatment a speedy recovery.

“Their families must be comforted with the knowledge that those looking after them, the doctors, nurses and other front line workers, as well as other support and logistic personnel, are doing all in their power to ensure their full recovery,” he said.

Dr Kwape said the role played by members of the public in transmitting and containing the disease was key towards the failure or success in dealing with the pandemic. ENDS