Don’t rule out SOE extension
Failure to adhere to regulations could force return to stricter restrictions - Taskforce, MOHW
Behaviour by members of the public in relation to adherence to COVID- 19 protocols might come at a cost for the economy and the country if it is not arrested.
Recent incidents have actually rubbed authorities the wrong way as both President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Task Force team expressed concern about the incidents that are violating the regulations.
Authorities have indicated that with the Independence holidays coming and with the country trying to flatten the curve, the wayward behaviour could force a strong hand that could result in movements’ restrictions during the Independence celebrations and the extension of the State of Public Health Emergency ( SoE).
The behaviour of alcohol sellers and consumers is also said to be displaying characteristics that defeat the efforts already made in containing the virus.
Masisi has warned that should the public continue to display such character, he would be left with no choice but to convene Parliament and request for extension of the SoE.
Different players have also set the tone which clearly indicates that should the public continue in the manner that
goes against the efforts to win against COVID- 19, unpopular decisions might be taken.
There have been calls for people to be vaccinated for the economy to open and for the ending of the SoE, which government has committed not to extend on the basis of scientific advice.
The SoE and the stricter restrictions have seen loss of jobs and collapse of many businesses and in the process affected the country’s economy.
The Taskforce Team led by Dr. Kereng Masupu has indicated that this Independence month, the public should be reminded of the steady rise in COVID- 19 in 2020 following September 2020 public holidays, which was followed by an even more devastating festive holiday in 2020.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness expressed shock and disbelief at some videos circulating on social media platforms, depicting blatant disregard for COVID- 19 safety protocols by some liquor outlets, contrary to the Emergency ( COVID- 19) Regulations, 2020, currently in place.
Dr. Pamela Smith- Lawrence, Acting Director of Health Services said Botswana, like the rest of the world, has experienced the worst of the COVID- 19 pandemic.
The country, she said, should not revert to the dark days of the last few months where infections were increasing at an alarming rate, and people’s lives were lost in the process.
Incidents such as those reflected in the videos alluded to, undoubtedly expose many more people to the dreadful disease, which can overwhelm the already overstretched health system, she added.
“It is not the wish of the Ministry to recommend a return to stricter restrictions in the country. However, when behaviour such as what transpired over the weekend persists, such actions will be inevitable. “The Ministry will not hesitate to cause for any action that can save the lives of the people of this country, even if that action leads to tougher restrictions”, explained the director.
Dr Smith- Lawrence said the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and will act accordingly in line with existing laws and regulations meant to curb the spread of diseases such as the ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic.
“We are getting into dangerous times of Independence. We all know what happened last year during Independence. “Our active cases shot up, and if we don’t behave this time around when our active cases are around 3 000, with new easily transmitted variant, we might find ourselves failing to flatten the curve and struggling to survive the next wave,” Taskforce Deputy Coordinator Professor Mosepele Mosepele said this week when giving an update on Covid- 19.