Botswana coronavirus: Gaborone hospital, bank closed over exposure

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:45 pm

Botswana remains one of Africa’s least impacted countries, one of a handful with less than 100 cases of COVID-19. Government has in the past month taken drastic measures including a strict lockdown.

President Eric Masisi tested negative for the third time on June 1. The wholes parliament was quarantined at a point when a health worker tested positive there.

As part of containment measures, wearing of home-made masks have been made obligatory in public. Data collection has also been a key plank of the response as part of contact tracing efforts.

Schools are also set to reopen along with the trend across parts of Africa. Strict health protocols are to be observed as kids return for lessons.

This article concentrates on major updates from the country in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

A bank and hospital in the capital Gaborone have been temporarily closed over what government says is possible COVID-19 exposure.

A statement signed by coordinator of the presidential task force, Kereng Masupu said the Gaborone Private Hospital and Stanbic Bank branch at Fairgrounds were to remain shut till further notice.

It added that “all staff, patients and visitors of these facilities between 8th June and 12th June, should immediately self-quarantine for 14 days” and call a toll free number in case they needed any assistance.

“While further investigations are ongoing, the Contact Tracing Team will also communicate with those who have visited the hospital and bank, and are deemed to require further medical attention,” it added.

Confirmed cases = 48

Number of deaths = 1

Recoveries = 24

Active cases = 23