18 Aug 2020

Mabutsane Sub-district chairperson, Mr Kgopolo Ramosesane has applauded both the frontline workers and community members for abiding by the COVID-19 protocols, something he said contributed to the sub-district registering no positive case to date. 

Speaking during the opening session of the sub-council forum at Mabutsane on August 17, Mr Ramosesane said it was vital that stakeholders continued playing their part in prevention of transmission as it cost a fortune once the pandemic got a stranglehold on a country. 

“I am greatly humbled by the great spirit displayed during the difficult times of adaptation to the new normal lifestyle. Let me also express my profound gratitude to our doctors together with their support staff who are in the frontline in fighting the pandemic,” he said. 

He said credit should also be accorded to communities for their compliance with the health protocols adding that some left their cattle posts and fields unattended. 

“Others had to abandon their small businesses which are their only source of income while others lost their business completely,” he said. 

Mr Ramosesane also appreciated various organisations for their support of government’s relentless efforts in fighting the pandemic through financial contributions and in-kind, and the efforts by the sub-district to keep its community informed at all times through the use of the Facebook page and SMS notifications. 

Mr Ramosesane, however, said the fact that the area had not registered any case so far should not lead to complacency, and that preparedness measures should continue. 

He said almost all the health care workers such as doctors, nurses, laboratory officers, pharmacy officers, drivers and cleaners in the sub-district underwent COVID-19 training. 

This also includes the 169 Tirelo Setshaba participants residing and working in Mabutsane DHMT catchment area who he said were trained as contact tracers.

Mr Ramosesane indicated that they had also established a quarantine and isolation centre in Mabutsane courtesy of DEBSWANA Jwaneng mine which availed some portacabins. 

He said that at the moment the caravans were awaiting water and electricity connection and that currently all persons in need of mandatory quarantine or isolation were being referred to Jwaneng and Gaborone. 

Regarding cases of self-quarantine, Mr Ramosesane indicated that a total of 11 persons were placed under self-quarantine before the period of mandatory quarantine was announced. 

He explained that since the surge of cases and the subsequent lockdown of the Greater Gaborone zone, a total of 28  people were placed under self-quarantine in Mabutsane Sub-district.  

He said all the 28 persons had travelled to the red zone, but subsequently tested negative. 

Mr Ramosesane pleaded wtih members of the community to continue abiding by the health protocols. Ends