COVID HITS HEALTH WORKERS HARD
Minister warns of fourth wave
MINISTER of Health and Wellness, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, said health workers are thin on the ground as nurses test positive for Covid.
The minister said this last Friday when briefing the media on issues relating to people’s conduct during the festive season. He said many health workers in Selibe-phikwe and Greater Gaborone are in isolation.
“There are some facilities like Nkoyaphiri clinic which are closed for fumigation after the health workers tested positive in high numbers. As we join families and loved ones this festive season, we want Batswana and residents of this country, not to forget that Covid-19 is still very much with us. We want Batswana to know that Covid-19 cases have begun to rise. We want them to know that there is a new variant whose implication and impact are yet to be determined,” said Dikoloti.
The minister has cautioned the public that the fourth wave is coming, looking at the high numbers of new infections.
He said the research has shown that the Omicron variant is highly transmissible with no symptoms or mild ones. Dikoloti went on to say the ministry’s special message to Batswana and residents of this country is packaged under the banner, “Ke Nna Ke Wena, My Health my responsibility.’’
‘The approach encourages individuals and communities to introspect and analyse their conduct in relation to adhering to stipulated prevention measures and adopt behaviours that will facilitate prevention of Covid-19 transmission. We have no doubt that the campaign will help us to promote behavioral change and continue creating demand for Covid-19 vaccines for the unvaccinated. We want to encourage all those eligible for vaccination but are not yet vaccinated to immediately visit the nearest vaccination site and receive their lifesaving jab,’ he added.
Dikoloti has raised concern over people who are in possession of fake Covid-19 vaccine cards.
He said this is likely to mess health statistics especially when the person dies due to Covid complications.
However, the minster said they have decided to record the vaccination process manually and digitally, which will help to expose those who are trying to cheat the system.