15 Jan 2023

Batswana have been urged to remain vigilant and to take precautionary measures to protect themselves against the new Omicron variant that was recently detected in Botswana and South Africa.

A Ministry of Health press release says one case of the sub lineage of the Omicron variant XBB.1.5 virus has been detected in Botswana and South Africa.

The release says the sub lineage (XBB.1.5) is a result of mutations of the already existing Omicron variant which is dominant in Botswana and the rest of the world.  

The ministry is monitoring the situation as it evolves, the release says. It notes that although the Omicron sub-lineage XBB.1.5 is new in Southern Africa, it has been dominant in other countries including Europe and Asia and now the United State.  

“Batswana should remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones all the time. While these new sub-variants of the Omicron appear to easily spread, the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccine still stands.  People are therefore encouraged to get vaccinated, and if vaccinated, to get boosted and those eligible to get second booster to do so, particularly the vulnerable.”

“The public is also encouraged to avoid unnecessary crowded indoor settings and to use masks wherever necessary.  Members of the public experiencing flu like symptoms should take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others, and to seek medical attention especially if symptoms worsens,” the ministry says

The release further says the ministry will continue to update the public of the situation whenever there are changes. Ends