COVID- 19 - Information Resources

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is continuing to spread across other African countries, with thirty countries diagnosed to be having the virus. 

 Access to information is very important in combating the spread of the virus. Most people are now living in fear because of the disease. 

What is ‘novel’ coronavirus / COVID-19?

According to the United Nations International  Childrens Education Fund (UNICEF), the novel coronavirus (Cov) is a new strain of coronavirus that was identified in Wuhan, China, that has been named  coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’

Now, the COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

Resources
 The following are some of the resources that the community can visit to get more information about the virus for Batswana:

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is closely monitoring the COVID-19 and  provides daily update on its Facebook page any information about COVID-19 in Botswana on:  https://www.facebook.com/COVID19.MOHW.BW/

The Government of Botswana Facebook page also post government press releases and any information pertaining to COVID-19. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/

The World Health Organization (WHO)  provides most up to date information about COVID-19. It provides:

-          - Public advice

-          - Situational updates

-          - Technical guidance and videos

-         -   Other media resources

It can be accessed on: https://www.who.int/

By Mosepele Mabutho

Botswana Release Precautionery Measures to Prevent COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

by Mosepele Mabutho


The government of Botswana through the leadership of the president His excellence Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi  & Ministry of Health of Wellness which is led by  Dr Lemogang Kwape has been very vocal in sensitizing the general public about precautionary measures they can practice to prevent the transmission of the virus.

As a way of preventing the transmission of the virus, the government of Botswana has implemented the following measures:

• All individuals coming to Botswana from the  high risk countries will not be allowed entry to the country

• Batswana have been asked  to postpone travel to affected countries to minimize the risk of COVID-19.

• International travel by all Government employees, parastatals and State owned Entities has been suspended with immediate effect.

• All government, parastatals and state owned entities international meetings and conferences are cancelled with immediate effect

• Social Distancing (public gatherings)

Total suspension of public gatherings of more than 100 people is imposed immediately for 30 days; these include: religious activities, restaurants supermarkets, conferences, wedding celebrations, night clubs/bars, music concerts, parties etc.

• To minimize risk of contracting and possible spreading of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to postpone non-essential local travel. To ensure continued safety of mourners/public at funerals/memorial services:

• To ensure continued safety of other users of health facilities, individuals who have cold symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat) and have had contact with returning travelers should:

a) Call 997, 3632756 /3632757 /363 2773;
b) Not use public transport; and
c) If using private vehicle or on foot, should alert health facility officers on arrival before entering the facility.

For a daily updated of the list of affected countries and more information on COVID-19 in Botswana, please refer to the following;  Facebook page: Covid-19_Mohw. TOLL FREE NO. 0800 600 740. 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/posts/1567003786780011?__tn__=K-R