21 Feb 2021

A surge in the COVID-19 infection rate is overwhelming the holding capacity of isolation and quarantine centres across the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness permanent secretary, Mr Kabelo Ebineng, has said.

Giving a COVID-19 status update in Gaborone on Thursday, Mr Ebineng said the rapid increase in transmission rate was taking a toll on the limited designated isolation and quarantine centres, hence introduction of home isolation and quarantine.

He noted that the released statistics revealed a horrific picture in the transmission rate, something which called for vigilance and compliance to protocols at all times.

 Mr Ebineng expressed optimism that the home-based isolations would remedy crises linked with over crowing at designated centres.

 He, however, called for extreme vigilance during the home isolation, adding that all household members should practice the highest standards of hand and respiratory hygiene.

He advised that other household members should be separated from the individual on home-isolation.

Mr Ebineng highlighted that particular vigilance should also be on keeping the elderly people and those with compromised immune systems or specific health conditions away from an individual on home-isolation.

He said household members should also avoid sharing house items and utensils with the individual on quarantine or isolation.

Mr Ebineng highlighted the importance of community involvement in health-related issues saying that it built a partnership with health personnel in order to improve health care service delivery.

He encouraged the public to make acquaintance with health service providers and health protocols to develop positive health behaviour.

For her part, director of health services, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye, pleaded with the public to adhere to protocols as outlined in the Public Service Act and State of Emergency regulations.

She said the public should also play its role in curbing the spread of the infection through compliance to the set protocols, cautioning that the violation of such would attract a fine or a prison term.

 Dr Kebabonye said  Botswana had been adversely affected by the  COVID-19  pandemic, which shone a  harsh spotlight on a  range of existing socio-economic challenges that the country faced.

She thus called for a systematic and sustainable public participation to curb the scourge, with particular focus on getting back on a recovery path and relieving the health sector from COVID-19 related strains.

Dr Kebabonye pleaded with the public not to despair because Botswana was part of the COVAX facility and other COVID-19 vaccine programmes, which would allow all residents access to the vaccine once finalised. ENDS