Botswana is yet to reach its peak in COVID-19 related cases, a press release from the Ministry of Health says.

This, the release states is despite the fact that some countries have now reached their fifth wave peak and have started recording lower cases.

The release says Botswana has on one hand been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections resulting in increased mortality and hospitalisation as a result of the fifth wave since May.

It says the ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, adding however the numbers have been relatively low and have so far not overwhelmed any of the health facilities.

The ministry thus advises all unvaccinated Batswana and residents to get vaccinated and take due booster shots to continue benefitting from the protection they provide, especially against severe disease, hospitalisations and death.

Meanwhile, in an interview, the ministry’s spokesperson, Dr Christopher Nyanga said preparations were at an advanced stage to introduce vaccines to lower age groups covering between five and 11 years old.

Dr Nyanga says the Pfizer vaccine had been selected to vaccinate the age group. He encouraged Batswana to continue adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. ENDS