07 Feb 2021

It has been confirmed that more males than females have succumbed to COVID-19 in Botswana. 

Presidential COVID-19 task force coordinator, Dr Kereng Masupu told BOPA in an interview that of the 152 COVID-19 confirmed deaths as at January 30, 88 were male while 64 were female.

Dr Masupu said even though no studies had been carried out in Botswana to determine which other variables might have led to more males dying from COVID-19, research carried out elsewhere, corroborated the fact that the virus was more fatal among males, resulting in many deaths among infected men than women. 

The causes, as established by research, were attributed to the different biological makeup of males and females, he said. 

Most of the recorded and confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Botswana, both male and female, had underlying conditions, he said. 

Until the country secured a COVID-19 vaccine, Dr Masupu said, the public must continue observing all the laid out protocols of wearing masks correctly; covering both the nose and mouth; washing hands with water and soap; sanitising and social distancing. 

He further encouraged the public to avoid crowded places and only travel when “it is absolutely necessary to do so”. 

Dr Masupu cautioned all to be on guard, particularly those with underlying conditions and the elderly. Ends