11 Jul 2021

Escalating COVID-19 infections in Botswana have been blamed on people’s conduct.

Speaking after taking his second jab of Pfizer vaccine in Rakops on Friday, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane therefore called for compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Tsogwane implored the public to reduce unnecessary travelling, particularly during  holidays.

“As holidays approach, let us all be advised to control movement and conduct and adhere to COVID-19 protocols. Let us treat the holidays as rest days and avoid crowding in places,” the vice president said.

He said government had put in place measures to control issuance of travel permits.

Mr Tsogwane said sale of alcohol had also been suspended in a move to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“However, that did not mean alcohol consumption was the cause of COVID-19 but influenced people to defy its protocols,” he explained.

On vaccines, Mr Tsogwane said government was working round the clock to secure different types of drugs.

He expressed concern about distribution of vaccines saying it was skewed towards developed countries which disadvantaged African countries.

Mr Tsogwane however said government remained hopeful that the challenge would be addressed soon.

He urged all those who had not taken the jab to do so once vaccines became available and encouraged the inoculated to take second doses.  

The vice president commended Batswana,  particularly teachers, for taking the vaccine.ENDS