Coronavirus in Africa.
The coronavirus has damaged many European countries despite their advanced technology. The number of cases and deaths is rising every day. In Africa, most of the countries have few confirmed cases and fatalities. South Africa has the most cases of coronavirus in the African continent.
As of today, the number of cases is at 16265 and the total number of fatalities is 873. Recovery toll reads at 3235 and 52 countries fall victim to the COVID-19. Lesotho and Comoros are the only virus-free states.
Most of the African countries are providing measures to mitigate the impact of the virus. Mostly, countries provide financial measures to ease the hardships of people during this challenging period.
Botswana’s developments on COVID-19 as from March till Today.
As of March, Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana’s President, was in a 14-day quarantine after coming from a trip to Namibia. The purpose of the quarantine was to monitor his health progress ensuring he is free from the deadly virus.
He went to Namibia, Windhoek to witness the inauguration of President Hage Geingob. Besides, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the president of Zimbabwe and Joao Lourenco, leader of Angola, attended the ceremony.
A permanent secretary on government affairs signed a given statement. The statement said that during the president’s period in Namibia, he talked to his colleagues on border matters during this crisis.
As of April, the Botswana President tested negative after several tests and was out of self-isolation to resume office responsibilities. Early this month, the president put a 4-week long lockdown to help control the spread of the coronavirus.
During the second week of April, Dr. Malaki bushpig, Director of Health Services, placed 69 MPs of the country in mandatory quarantine. During this time, the Minister of Health received a report showing 7 new cases of coronavirus on record. This increased the number of coronavirus cases in the country to 13.
By then, Botswana was under a state of emergency with measures put forward to help control the spread and containment of the virus. The president emphasized the significance of the emergency he declared during this period.
The Lawmakers
After the announcement of all lawmakers to be in self-isolation, some of them decided not to follow the government’s directives.
They were seen to go against the law since some MPs were even shopping at malls. Dr. Malaki says some MPs should be placed under supervised quarantine following stubborn MPs who did not follow the law. As of this date, the country had 1 death on the record because of coronavirus disease.
Yesterday, the government announced that Cabinet people in the country have come in an agreement to contribute 10% of their incomes. This contribution was towards Botswana’s coronavirus relief funds.
According to Slumber Tsogwane, the VP, cabinet members promised a portion of their incomes for 6 months. Total reductions are P167407 per month and the cumulative amount is 14000 dollars every month and over $80000 over the total months.
The main reason for these deductions is to help Botswana in combating the impacts of coronavirus disease.
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