Ministry allays COVID-19 outbreak fears

14 Nov 2024

The Ministry of Health has detected a single case of the Omicron XEC subvariant of COVID-19 in the country at the beginning of November.

A press release from the ministry states that the subvariant, which has already been identified in 43 countries, was discovered through routine genomic sequencing efforts.

“The case involved a tourist who has since been transferred to South Africa for further care,” says the press release.

It further explains that in accordance with standard protocols, the ministry conducted further investigations and contact tracing which yielded no additional cases while surveillance efforts are ongoing.

The release says Botswana has consistently prioritised monitoring of significant diseases, including COVID-19. The isolated imported case, therefore, does not signify an outbreak and there has been no increase in local COVID-19 cases, explains the release.

The ministry therefore, advises the public not to panic and reassures Batswana and residents that there is currently no cause for concern. The public is encouraged to remain calm and continue following recommended precautionary measures. ENDS

Source : BOPA

Author : BOPA

Location : GABORONE

Event : Press release

Date : 14 Nov 2024