08 Sep 2020

Presidential COVID-19 Task Team Coordinator, Dr Kereng Masupu has announced a surge in local transmission of the coronavirus case load.

Giving an update on September 7, Dr Masupu announced 124 new infections were recorded since last week Friday, 110 of which were locals while  14 were transfer outs.

The current local transmission infection, he said on average translated to 30 new daily local infections.

He added that there had also been one mortality in the last five days, bringing to nine the total number of COVID-19 related deaths.

He stated that the local infection positivity rate currently stood at 1.7 per cent compared to 1.5 per cent positivity rate for foreigners, which decoded a higher risk infection locally, particularly in the Greater Gaborone zone.

Dr Masupu said a total of 133 971 tests had been conducted, resulting in 2126 registered COVID-19 cases, 1039 Batswana and 1087 transferred out cases.   

He stated that 537 local cases were active, while 493 were recovered, bringing the country’s recovery rate to 47 per cent.

He noted that the statistics revealed a horrific picture in the local transmission rate, hence called for vigilance and COVID-19 protocol compliance at all times.

He said there had been spilt over infections out of the Greater Gaborone zone, post the last lockdown, specifically in the Jwaneng area, which contributed to a huge percentage of new recorded cases.  

The high infection rate, he said called for a high compliance rate.

Dr Masupu commended the alcohol industry for the Dinwele Dladleng campaign and pleaded with the public to fully embrace it as a means of containing the spread of the virus.

He said it was pleasing to note that Batswana were fully behind government’s tireless commitment to tackle the pandemic, through adherence to all COVID-19 protocols and regulations.

He emphasised that COVID -19 containment was possible, through solidarity and national cooperation, adding that more than ever, national solidarity was absolutely essential and needed to be strengthened.

He further advised the public to continue adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, during the upcoming Independence holidays. ENDS