17 Jan 2021

Non-compliance to COVID-19 protocols has been blamed as the major factor in the surge of cases in the Greater Selebi Phikwe area and the country.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by Mmadinare MP, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi, Selebi Phikwe District Health Management Team (DHMT) coordinator, Mr Mpaphi Mbulawa appealed for unity in the fight against COVID-19.

Mr Mbulawa said the new strain of the virus was already in the region and that it was important for people to be vigilant.

He said it was evident that most infections occured during the festive season and that the surge in cases was the aftermath of what happened.

Mr Mbulawa was, however, optimistic that if all Batswana could unite against the disease, victory would be realised.

He said the health department was experiencing challenges, noting that  six medical personnel in Selebi Phikwe and five in Mmadinare were on isolation.

He said it was worrying considering that other diseases such as HIV and malaria needed the attention of the medical personnel.

Mr Mbulawa also revealed that 487 cases were recorded in Greater Selebi Phikwe. Ten cases, he said, were from Mmadinare.

“We have 95 active cases and 384 recoveries. Two of the 71 deaths were registered in Selebi Phikwe. We are yet to register a COVID-19 related death in Mmadinare,” said Mr Mbulawa.

For his part, Mr Molebatsi said some residents disregarded health protocols during the festive season and staged parties at their farms. 

Mmadinare Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent Tiro Kgang said cases of non-compliance were rife in Mmadinare.

He said 56 cases of non-compliance were recorded in December, and that arrests were made everyday since the curfew was imposed.

He noted that some failed to wear masks. Ends