25 Aug 2021

Boteti Sub-district is experiencing a surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, registering 9982 positive cases as of August 11. 

Boteti Council Chairman Mr Molemi Galeragwe said during the sub-council session held in Letlhakane on Monday. Mr Galeragwe stated that the hardest hit was Letlhakane, Orapa and Rakops villages. 

He stated that out of 9982 cases 1163 were active. 

He said the sub-district he said had 1269 patients in home quarantine while 82 were admitted in health facilities. 

He indicated that 1081 people were on home isolation whilst 17 patients were repatriated. 

Moreover, Mr Galeragwe said, that the sub-district had a total of 8736 recoveries while 66 people died due to COVID-19. 

He stated that COVID-19 vaccination campaign was ongoing and a total of 11927 vaccines were administered, with 8007 people receiving their first dose whilst 4061 were fully vaccinated, translating to five per cent of the targeted 60 000 people. 

He noted that public response regarding administration of the second dose was satisfactory. 

Mr Galeragwe expressed concern about inadequate transport and lack of off-road vehicles for accessing the remotest areas, a feature that thwarted their efforts. 

On issues of compliance to COVID-19, the Council Chairman stated that the sub-district registered a total of 3434 violations as compared to 2753 cases in quarter four, indicating an increase of cases by 25 per cent. 

Mr Galeragwe indicated that among the common offences was unlawful brewing and consumption of alcohol in prohibited places, contravention of curfew regulations, improper wearing of a mask and unauthourised travel between COVID-19 regions. 

The chairman noted teenage pregnancy in Boteti was a major concern. 

He stated that from 2019 to date, quarter one recorded the highest number of 78 cases, out of which 54 cases were girls aged less than 18 years, whilst 24 cases were girls aged 19 years. 

The chairman urged stakeholders to ensure that the Children’s Act was upheld and children given an opportunity to enjoy their rights. 

Mr Galeragwe emphasised the need to directly address the problem as it not only created education deficit, but also left permanent and substantial economic and social variations, ultimately perforating on ambitions for Boteti’s economic growth. Ends