04 Oct 2020

Government will use the extended state of emergency period to close any existing gaps in curbing the spread of COVID-19, says Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Briefing the media,  he said the recently approved extension was critical especially in the absence of proven latent capacity to control the pandemic adding it would allow for quick mobilisation of resources.

Dr Dikoloti said in terms of closing any loophole in curbing the spread of the virus, resourcing of the Botswana Public Health Institute remained government’s priority.

The institute’s establishment  was meant to provide the national leadership with decision support information as well as complete expertise and coordination of  rapid, effective evidence-based public health emergency preparedness and responses, he said.

He revealed that the Public Health Act would be reviewed within the next six months in order to embed COVID-19 regulations and create a longer term plan for future emergencies.

“The current COVID-19 regulations will be infused into the Public Health Act, this in the long run will be a long time solution which is more durable and sustainable,” he said.

The minister said the outcry about shortage of rapid test kits had triggered the desire to manufacture the items locally with production expected to start in the next four months.

Dr Dikoloti said the ministry would, beginning this month, undertake a sentinel surveillance exercise to monitor COVID-19 spread and prevalence.

Government’s prompt information-sharing, he said, was a manifestation of its commitment to unity and cooperation, which enabled the community to gain a head-start in detecting, preventing and combating COVID-19.

The result was that Botswana recorded relatively good success when compared to other countries in the region, he said.

“The number of cases and death per 100 000 have remained considerably low than the majority of countries around the world and it is the lowest in southern African region,” said Dr Dikoloti.

He said COVID-19 containment was possible through commitment to multilateralism, national solidarity and  cooperation.

National solidarity, he noted,  was more essential than ever before and therefore needed to be strengthened.

He stressed enforcement of shared responsibility for personal health and working with communities to change behavior towards safe conduct.

Dr Dikoloti expressed government’s appreciation for all assistance rendered by the general public and private sector in the battle against novel coronavirus. ENDS