Botswana on third wave of Covid- 19
It will get worse before it gets better
Like other countries, Botswana is in the third wave of COVID- 19, Presidential Task Force Team Scientific Advisor Dr Mogomotsi Matshaba, says.
Matshaba explained this week that the new variant Delta, first reported in India, is more deadly than the South Africa variant.
He said the number of new infections and deaths continue to rise at a concerning rate. Dr Matshaba who was updating the nation, indicated that the numbers show that the country is in the third wave given that during the months of February and March this year the country was on the second wave.
He said the country is on the same level with neighbouring countries. He said currently the infected are no longer the 30 to 54 age bracket but school going children of 10 to 15 years.
He pointed out that this age group mostly manages to recover but unfortunately those who are older remain at high risk.
“When the virus is spreading at this pace, we have to test and isolate. It is worrisome if isolation is not done adequately. The situation has worsened.
“If you do not feel well do not go to work, school, shops or visit. When we remove a good number of those with the virus from the society, we could be able to control and contain the virus.
“Looking at the numbers, chances are that when not feeling well it could be COVID- 19”, Dr Matshaba said, adding that between the period 4th to 9th July 2021 there were 8 970 active cases.
The death toll stood at 1 253 while those who have recovered were 69 931. Dr Matshaba said as of 6th July 2021 new positive cases were 3 837 and there were to- date 80 153 confirmed cases. A total of those tested stands at 1, 380 609 and since the start of vaccination rollout, the taskforce has been observing response to the vaccine.
He said they need time and numbers to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine in terms of those who survive, get re- infected and those who become critical.
“We are still fighting the pandemic. The numbers are high and continue to grow. Prevention measures have not changed and we should continue to look after ourselves.
“Let us reduce unnecessary travels, gatherings and continue to put on masks and wash hands. Do not put on a mask just because you see police officers or you are entering a shop or a workplace.
“The vaccine is to reduce infection. When vaccinated you may still get the virus”, he explained.
When addressing the nation on Tuesday this week President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the pandemic will worsen before it gets better.
“Therefore, we must take individual and collective responsibility to protect ourselves and the entire nation from COVID- 19.
“We must brace ourselves for the imminent shortage of basic necessities, such as food and fuel, occasioned by disruptions of the supply chain in the region emanating from COVID- 19 and its associated impact on the economy.
“Our national principle of self- reliance has become more urgent than ever before. I want to implore you Batswana, to rise to the occasion and enhance food security in Botswana”, Masisi appealed.
The president underlined that people with underlying medical conditions, such as, diabetes, hypertension and cancer are more at risk, and those most affected by these conditions are the elderly.
To this extent, he said 80 percent of those who have lost their lives in this country are over 50 years. The President indicated that the vaccine rollout plan therefore prioritises these groups, adding that frontliners, including teachers, are also in the priority list of the vaccination strategy.