12 Jan 2021

Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, has urged the public to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

Addressing kgotla meeting at Samedupi, 15km from Maun, he informed residents that coronavirus was real noting that Maun had become a red zone since the area experienced a spike during festive season.

The area, he said, had recorded 120 new positive cases, adding that in two weeks, five deaths had been confirmed at Letsholathebe Memorial hospital.

Currently, he said patients had been admitted at Letsholathebe hospital since Matshwane isolation centre was reportedly leaking and others were kept in home isolation.

Mr Kekgonegile said it was a pity since the hospital was also reported to be leaking and that patients were mingling with others who had not been diagnosed with the virus, but promised to engage the hospital management to see how best they could do to save lives.

In addition, he said one of the local mortuary had been temporarily closed as a corpse had been diagnosed with the virus stating that relatives to the deceased had been all isolated.

He also informed residents that a new virus strain had also hit Maun noting that about 24 people from South Africa who visited one supermarket in Maun, about 20 of them were diagnosed with the new virus.

“This is a scary situation that calls all to take responsibility of their lives. We have been hearing that COVID-19 was rampant in Gaborone and now we are experiencing the same spell in Maun,” he added.

Mr Kekgonegile explained that it was reported that the new virus was dangerous and called on the general public to seriously take precautionary measures to curb spread of coronavirus such as wearing of masks properly, sanitising and washing of hands frequently.

He advised them to wash their hands at least five to six times a day noting that it was unfortunate since the deadly disease had no treatment. 

He also urged parents to look after their children and ensure they did not undertake domestic errands that posed a health risk to their lives.

Mr Kekgonegile also pointed out that the pandemic called for all to adapt to the new normal to save lives. Ends