27 May 2021

Chobe District Council chairperson, Councillor Amos Mabuku has revealed that the district had, as of May 11, registered 1 333 COVID-19 cases.

Speaking in a full council meeting on May 25, Councillor Mabuku said of the cases 1308 were recoveries, 22 active and three deaths.

He, however, noted that the Regional Health Management Team had indicated that the monthly record of COVID-19 confirmed cases had fallen significantly in the district following its first wave in January that peaked in March.

Councillor Mabuku said in April alone, the district registered 46 cases, which was a sharp decline from 314 cases in March.

He nonetheless said the Chobe community at large should remain vigilant and not drop the guard to stop a second wave and different variants that had been detected in other countries across the world.

Still on COVID-19 issues, Cllr Mabuku said the district launched COVID-19 vaccination campaign on April 9 targeting citizens aged 75 and above, health care workers in risk areas, Botswana Police Service and Prisons officers and a total of 647 got their first dose of the vaccine with no related serious adverse reactions.

He explained that those who got their AstraZeneca were expected to get their second dose after 12 weeks from their date of vaccination.

Councillor Mabuku said a roll-out vaccine of Sinovac resumed in May 11 following receipt of 1195 doses targeting those aged 65 and above followed by 55 years and above and so far 200 clients received their first dose. He said the 200 clients were expected to get their second dose at four weeks’ interval.

The chairperson who is also Chobe Enclave West councillor urged all to continue adhering to all COVID-19 protocols to avoid new infections as the vaccination only reduces the chances of serious morbidity and mortality related to the disease.

He further encouraged those aged 55 years and above to register either online or at the nearest Kgotla so as to speed up the process.

Councillor Mabuku expressed gratitude at healthcare workers and other first responders for the self-sacrifice despite the challenges in place.

He also thanked all the business and organisations that donated or provide support of any kind to help the district deal with the disease such as Hyprop that donated cleaning materials and face shields amongst other items to Kachikau Special Unit and Francistown HIS students who donated COVID-19 testing shelters at the clinics.

The chairperson further informed the councillors that the Regional Immigration Office, which is mainly used to cross in and out of Impalila Island in Namibia opened to travelers in April following its closure due the outbreak of COVID-19. ENDS