12 Oct 2020

The Director of Public Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellnes, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye, says Batswana must continue to abide by the COVID-19 protocols to curb the spread of the pandemic as nothing has changed in the extended State of Emergency.

She said this when updating the nation on the status of COVID-19 protocols under the State of Emergency to avoid misconceptions.

She said in a day government discovered over 100 COVID-19 positive cases, warning that  the diseases could not spread on its own, but by human beings.

 Dr Kebabonye cautioned that it was pertinent, therefore, that precautions such as washing of hands, social distancing and wearing of mask in public places were adhered to by all.

“So, I am here today to remind you of what is permissible in public places, community gatherings, weddings, funerals, church services, social clubs and urge you to comply to COVID-19 regulations.”  

She said through the measures instituted under the first State of Emergency, Botswana managed to delay the peak of the cases.

She, however, said currently there was a surge in the peak of cases and an indication that something was not done right somewhere.

She said the rise of cases in the country were found in educational sector and health facilities, and  imported cases through provision of essential services.

Another thing is that there is an adverse impact in the economy,  she said, adding that while other economies around Botswana were opening, it was uncertain if they would cope or not, Dr Kebabonye said.

Commenting on the issue of people coming from high risk countries, she said such people would not be allowed entry into Botswana.

She further said issuance of Visas at points of entry and embassies for people coming from high risk areas remained suspended until further notice

Dr Kebabonye emphasised that international travel by all government employees, parastatal organisations and state-owned entities remained suspended, adding that travel for regional and international meetings, workshops and conferences also remained cancelled.

“In order to further comply with the regulations, persons travelling to, returning or in-transit through a COVID-19 high risk zones may still be required to take COVID-19 test.”

She said people still needed to be issued with interzonal permits, and reasons of travel such as attending funerals of immediate members of the family, access a farm and cattle post will determine issuance.  ENDS