28 Apr 2021

Chobe Region has conducted 40 618 cumulative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and rapid COVID-19 tests as of April 20.

Giving a Chobe Regional Health Management Team (RHMT) report to the area Member of Parliament, Mr Machana Shamukuni during his consultative meeting with the heads of departments, a principal district officer development (PDOD) at the office of the district commissioner, Ms Nobuhle Mbusi said out of the tests, 39 321 were negative while 1 297 came out positive.

She said there were 17 active cases while 824 had recovered and 453 were repatriated.

She further said three COVID-19 deaths were recorded.

Ms Mbusi further explained that 16 COVID-19 patients were admitted at the education centre, while one was in home isolation.

She said the district isolation centre had a total bed capacity of 86, with 32 at the education centre, 30 at Kachikau Clinic, 22 at Chobe Brigade and two at Kasane Hospital.

Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, Ms Mbusi said as of April 23, a total of 636 clients were vaccinated.

She said the clients comprised 403 elderly people aged 75 years and above, 189 health workers, 44 members of the Botswana Police Service, Botswana Prisons and laboratory officers.

She said the district had managed achieved to the containment of the epidemic, put in place good surveillance system, active participation of district stakeholders and COVID-19 vaccination teams across the district and managed to make good coverage from the COVID-19 vaccine doses.

She cited as challenges, shortage of port health staff at ports of entry, shortage of isolation centres as evidenced by the use of a brigade and education centre, amongst others. Ms Mbusi said screening and testing at all health facilities for all people presenting flu-like symptoms should be intensified, including education to

Chobe communities, especially on the use of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing.

In addition, she said the public should be advised to register to receive the vaccine to smoothen the vaccination campaign.

On issues that impede service delivery, Ms Mbusi highlighted shortage of accommodation, high rentals for privately owned properties being rented by staff and that officers transferred to Chobe either delayed arrival while awaiting accommodation and sometimes declined the transfer or resign.

She also raised a concern about the dilapidated Kasane Hospital and the flooding that the hospital experience during rainy season. ENDS