Botswana’s COVID-19 situation is getting deadlier by the day. Following a super spreading festive season, the country has now recorded at least three deaths per day, or 23 within a week. The COVID-19 National Task Force are growing increasingly concerned over the latest trend of infections and fatalities that have increased significantly over just under two months. The Task Force have recorded more deaths since the beginning of festive season to date (December 1st 2020- January 11, 2021) than they have in the previous nine months since the first death was recorded in March 2020.
A clear indication of the negative impact of the festive season on the country’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The government’s introduction of tougher regulations at the height of the festive season that included a 7PM to 4AM curfew seems to have done little (if anything) to assist contain the spread of the virus and reduce possible fatalities. Ngamiland (particularly Maun) which remains the local tourist destination of choice is reported to have recorded a surge in COVID-19 cases following an influx of particularly Gaborone (COVID-19 epicentre) holidaymakers. Other areas of the country such as Greater Palapye, Greater Selebi Phikwe, Greater Francistown, and Greater Ghanzi have also recorded increased numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths following the festive season.
Prior to the festive season Botswana recorded hardly a case of COVID-19 death per week. There were six deaths recorded the whole of October 2020, seven were recorded in November, and eight were recorded in December. Barely two weeks into 2021 January already leads with at least 23 COVID-19 deaths recorded within the first 11 days, representing the first time Botswana has ever recorded double digits in COVID-19 fatalities within a month since the first death was recorded in March 2020.
The number of positive cases have been fluctuating, with the country mainly recording, on average, at least 100 cases per day between September and December 2020. There were 3, 298 total confirmed cases recorded in November 2020, and 3,346 cases recorded December 2020 averaging 106 and 107 cases per day respectively. January 2021 already indicates an average of 200 cases per day, with 2,488 confirmed cases recorded within the first 11 days, representing at least 226 cases per day. The latest update by the Task Force indicates Botswana had recorded a total 15, 410 local cases of COVID-19 by January 11, 2020.There were 13, 519 recoveries, 1826 active cases, and 71 total deaths.
The country had carried out a total 584, 169 tests with 483, 588 of them involving residents and citizens while 150,581 were carried out at ports of entry. At least 1,955 positive cases of transit travellers were sent home following diagnosis. Greater Gaborone remains the most affected region in the country, according to the Task Force. President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced stricter regulations on December 23, 2020 as a measure curb the spread of the virus. “Government has taken a decision to impose a curfew from 7pm to 4am from 24th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021 in order to protect this nation from the impending catastrophe. This means there shall be no movement of people between 7pm and 4am from the 24th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021,” Masisi announced on national television Btv.
He cautioned the nation about the new and more aggressive variants of COVID-19 that had been detected across the globe including particularly neighboring South Africa. He also cautioned the nation against what he called excessive alcohol consumption which he said was taking place countrywide resulting in many people disregarding the COVID-19 health protocols.The President also alluded to the authorization and use of COVID-19 vaccines in some countries as a welcome development that he said he hoped would also be availed to Botswana.
“As I stated recently, Botswana has signed up for global collaboration which will enable us to access COVID-19 vaccines. We will provide more information at the appropriate time.” The government extended the curfew earlier this month in response to the latest surge in positive cases. “…with evidence submitted to His Excellency the President by the director of Health Services that the risks posed by COVID-19 have increased in Botswana. The restrictions or curfew will apply from 8PM to 4AM daily. Essential service workers will be required to carry permits to travel during periods where movement is restricted,” Minister of Health Dr. Edwin Dikoloti announced earlier this month.
He also announced adjusted lockdown regulations. “His Excellency, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has approved the extension of the travel restrictions, imposed under the emergency powers regulation from the fourth of January, to the 31st of January 2021. The extension is in accordance with regulation 5 (1 and 4) of emergency powers COVID-19 regulations of 2020.”
