President Masisi also announced a relief fund and wage subsidies
GABORONE, April 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared a state of emergency for 28 days to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
He said there will be an “extreme lockdown” from Thursday April 2 when only those providing essential services will be allowed to leave their homes.
Each essential-service provider will be issued with a special “Covid-19 travel permit” by the government, he said.
Botswana on Tuesday confirmed its first death from the new coronavirus.
A 79-year-old person, who came to the country from South Africa on March 15, died due to the virus, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said in a statement.
He also said the deceased had suffered from other diseases.
Four people in the country have been diagnosed with COVID-19 so far.
President Masisi has also summoned parliament to meet again within seven days and pass state-of-emergency regulations.
He said people should not panic-buy essential goods as supply will continue during the lockdown.
He said further guidelines on how people will get essential goods and services will be issued, and a relief fund had been set up to cushion those affected.
Botswana’s government will give a wage subsidy to help businesses retain employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
Masisi said his government will continue to build up grain and fuel reserves and provide water and medical equipment during the emergency. — NNN-AGENCIES
