16 Mar 2020

Government has announced further measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Botswana including travel and public gathering restrictions.

In a news release issued March 16, Office of the President says travellors from high risk countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, USA, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India will not be allowed entry into Botswana.

“Batswana and residents returning from high risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quaratine,” says the release.

It says issuance of visa at ports of entry and all embassies is suspended with immediate effect while current visas are cancelled, also with immediate effect.

Also suspended with immediate effect is international travel by all government employees, parastatals and state owned entities.

In addition, international meetings and conferences by all government, parastatals and state owned entities are cancelled with immediate effect.

“All citizens and residents of Botswana are to postpone travel to affected countries to minimize the risk of COVID-19,” it says. 

The release says public gatherings of more than 100 people is totally suspended for 30 days.

The gatherings include religious activities, sporting events, conferences, wedding celebrations, music concerts, parties, night club/bar socialising and gymnasium recreation.

Everywhere including in banks, restaurants/take-out outlets, supermarkets/shops, pharmacies, post offices, government service departments and funerals, the public is advised to maintain a 1-2 metres distance between individuals and a maximum of 50 individuals.

The release further says during funerals, services should be brief lasting not more than two hours, there should be no serving of food to mourners, easy access to hand cleaning with water and soap should be provided while strict hand washing and surface cleaning of all burial equipment is recommended. BOPA