What's the government response timeline for Botswana?

President Masisi announced school closures on 19/3/2020 to begin the next day, the 20/3/2020. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/posts/2832225860193387

Social media and gov communication providing information, phone number for public questions, and prevention strategies. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/

Screening began on 28 Jan at all points of entry in Botswana. https://www.gabzfm.com/index.php/gabzfm-news-details/id/1428/coronavirus-screening-at-points-of-entry-in-botswana-begins/

Press releases and social media posts on coronavirus. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/photos/a.459580184189049/1527829994030724/?type=3&theater

Official gov press releases, social media posts, TV appearance by Minister of Health to talk about coronavirus. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/photos/a.459580184189049/1532277003586023/?type=3&theater

Call center created and advertised on social media to answer public's questions about coronavirus. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/photos/a.459580184189049/1532751386871918/?type=3&theater

FAQs about coronavirus shared on social media. Social media pages continuously updated with multilingual information on prevention, etc. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/photos/a.459580184189049/1534034866743570/?type=3&theater

Social media sharing video campaigns on hand washing, disease information, etc. https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/photos/ms.c.eJxFzcENwDAIQ9GNKhywCfsvVrUo5PrkD6AHubLMFgE8aGBJhaw84O7OHWUHopO4ib5k2yyEP9Ea8D7qB7IXvAs1zFtlg15U~_iIz.bps.a.1534551913358532/1534552790025111/?type=3&theater

"The Honourable Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Lemogang Kwape brings you COVID-19 updates every morning between 0625 and 0630hrs week-days. Tune in to RB 1 Masa-A-Sele for updates. My Health My Responsibility My Wealth!" (radio show) https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIAL.MOHW.BW/

Screening at all airports for Covid19 https://www.airbotswana.co.bw/sites/default/files/news-events/AIR%20BOTSWANA%20S%20STATEMENT%20ON%20THE%20CONVID-19-page-001.jpg

Facebook page specific to coronavirus created, continues to share information in addition to Ministry of Health social media pages. Facebook page (@COVID19.MOHW.BW)

All public gatherings/events with more than 100 people have been cancelled from 16 March. This includes religious activities, sporting events,weddings, conferences, concerts, parties, gyms and clubs/bars. Further, all government, parastatal and state owned entities' international conferences and meetings have also been canceled. Listing this as 2G as under these measures most public events/activities would not be able to go on. https://www.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-03/Covid19.pdf

Total suspension of all public gatherings of more than 100 people is imposed from 16 March. This includes religious activities, sporting events,weddings, conferences, concerts, parties, gyms and clubs/bars. https://www.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-03/Covid19.pdf

People are advised to postpone all non-essential local travel. https://www.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-03/Covid19.pdf

Government bans entry from high risk countries China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, USA, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India. https://www.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-03/Covid19.pdf

Botswana became the latest country to shut down schools across the country on 18 March 2020 despite not having had any confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Botswana Parliament endorses 6-month state of emergency on 9 April 2020. http://apanews.net/en/news/botswana-closes-schools-amid-coronavirus-scare https://city-press.news24.com/News/covid-19-botswana-parliament-endorses-6-month-state-of-emergency-20200409

Botswana on Thursday became the latest country to shut down schools across the country despite not having had any confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. Updating the nation during a press briefing, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said as a precaution, the government has taken a decision halt all learning activities until further notice. http://apanews.net/en/news/botswana-closes-schools-amid-coronavirus-scare

Passengers arriving from Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA or United Kingdom are not allowed to enter Botswana. This does not apply to nationals of Botswana or to passengers who reside in Botswana. Nationals and residents of Botswana will be quarantined for 14 days. Passengers can no longer obtain a visa on arrival in Botswana. Visas issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, China (People's Rep.), Denmark, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or USA are invalidated. Visas issued to passengers with a British passport with nationality "British Citizen" are invalidated. https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/health/ http://apanews.net/en/news/botswana-declares-28-day-covid-19-lockdown https://city-press.news24.com/News/covid-19-botswana-parliament-endorses-6-month-state-of-emergency-20200409

Botswana closes land borders. https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/botswana-no-covid-19-cases-closes-borders-after-death-zimbabwe

All Transport Operators 1. Continuous disinfection of seats, door handles and surfaces on public transport, commercial, and freight vehicles 2. Keeping of windows open for air circulation in public service vehicles. 3. Public transport operators encouraged to use sanitizer dispensers or water and soap at the doors of public service vehicles. 4. Prohibition of hawkers in public service vehicles. 5. Public transport operators must have clinical waste containers for disposal of used tissues. AIR SERVICES 1. Airlines have been issued with instructions not to board passengers from high risk countries identified by the Director of Public Health. BOTSWANA RAILWAYS 1. The overnight passenger service and services to Bulawayo Zimbabwe have been suspended. 2. Cross border freight services continue with precautionary measures taken. • Human to human contact at the exchange stations (Mafikeng & Plumtree) has been reduced/ eliminated. Operations restricted to disconnecting wagons. • Drivers are starting being provided with packed lunches, gloves and sourcing masks. PASSENGERS 1. Passengers encouraged to buy their own masks and sanitizers or soap solutions. 2. Passengers encouraged to reduce unnecessary trips both locally and internationally. 3. Passengers are advised to stop handshaking and use other non-contact methods of greeting. 4. Passengers are reminded to avoid touching their faces and always sneeze into a tissue and use elbow if tissue is unavailable. The tissue should be thrown in waste containers 5. Passengers encouraged to bring money that does not need change in paying fares Temporary suspension of some services a) All driver Tests (theory and practical). There is an influx of customers, mostly from the Tertiary institutions, who come for driver test bookings. b) Applications for passenger permits. c) Renewal of Drivers licenses. The department will waive penalties for the period beginning 25th March 2020 till the end of suspension. d) Transport Advisory Board (TAB) and Appeals Tribunal sittings. e) Conversion of foreign driver’s license https://www.facebook.com/pg/BotswanaGovernment/posts/?ref=page_internal

Testing only people with symptoms and who have been potentially exposed. https://www.facebook.com/COVID19.MOHW.BW/photos/a.109637517328171/120093412949248/?type=3&theater

Broad debt/contract relief is available: "To give businesses some cash-flow relief the Government will do the following: Guarantee loans by commercial banks to businesses mostly affected by COVID-19 Give eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 access to credit to support ongoing operations in conditions where credit becomes more difficult to obtain Give tax concessions to businesses in eligible sectors. Banks have agreed to offer restructuring of loan facilities through which each bank will consider each case within their credit policy and parameters. This will include owner-occupied residential property mortgages and motor vehicle loans. All commercial banks will offer a payment holiday for three (3) months with the option to extend to six (6) months to the affected sectors. Regular payment obligations including life insurance premium payment, retirement fund contributions and loan instalments will be restructured and rescheduled to offer relief for at least three months to COVID-19 affected people subject to individual policies." Source: https://www.gov.bw/assistance-businesses The same decisions were also detailed in the State of Emergency Declaration on March 31: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SMuG_sIy5Aw8sb5W6t3kOxOzV1mGH1lE/view KPMG also confirms these measures: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/botswana-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid-19.html

First mention of tracing in the case of the first victim. https://www.facebook.com/pg/BotswanaGovernment/posts/?ref=page_internal

Subsidy of 50% of salary. Minimum of support is P 1000 and maximum is P 2500. Except: a. Water Supply; b. Electricity Supply; c. Wholesale – Food; d. Retail – Food; e. Post and Communications; f. Banks; g. Insurance; h. Parastatal-Companies; i. Businesses with direct Government shareholding and Government aided entities such as nongovernmental organisations; j. Central Government; k. Local Government; l. Pension administration services; m. Stock exchange services; n. Fund management services; o. Medical aid fund services; p. Health and pharmaceutical services Requires tax filings, thus excluding informal workers. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a state of emergency and a 28-day lockdown scheduled to commence at midnight on April 2 as a response to the fight against coronavirus. http://apanews.net/en/news/botswana-declares-28-day-covid-19-lockdown https://city-press.news24.com/News/covid-19-botswana-parliament-endorses-6-month-state-of-emergency-20200409

Botswana is in national extreme lockdown for 28 days.

Botswana is in national extreme lockdown for 28 days.

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a state of emergency and a 28-day lockdown scheduled to commence at midnight on April 2 as a response to the fight against coronavirus. Movement limited to essential workers and transport of necessary goods, extends to limiting the use of public transport by non-essential people. http://apanews.net/en/news/botswana-declares-28-day-covid-19-lockdown https://city-press.news24.com/News/covid-19-botswana-parliament-endorses-6-month-state-of-emergency-20200409 https://city-press.news24.com/News/covid-19-botswana-announces-extreme-lockdown-days-after-banning-sale-of-alcohol-20200331

Botswana is in national extreme lockdown for 28 days, however, essential services can be accessed and permits can be applied for to leave the house and travel.

Botswana is in national extreme lockdown for 28 days, however, essential services can be accessed and permits can be applied for to leave the house and travel.

Informal workers - such as polers - are unable to claim assistance as they are paid in cash and don't have the financial records necessary to file. https://allafrica.com/stories/202005130594.html These measures are still in place until June. https://www.rsm.global/botswana/news/covid-19-botswana-government-wage-subsidy-scheme

Facebook continues to offer coordinated, multilingual information about coronavirus and new government policies. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

Contract tracing done for a cross-covid zone case involving a truck driver. However, does not appear to be done for all cases. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2980410502041588/?type=3&theater

The aforementioned measures are still in place: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Specific non-essential businesses can apply for permit to reopen at 25% capacity, required to meet specific criteria including cleaning shared spaces 2 - 3 times daily, face masks for everyone, temperature screenings, etc. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2970275016388470/?type=3&theater https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2970275016388470/?type=3&theater https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

Public transport services, including taxis, mini buses, air transport, etc., are allowed to reopen but with reduced passengers (e.g. for taxi, maximum 3 people in a 5-person vehicle). Masks and 2 - 3 times daily cleaning mandatory. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2970283716387600/?type=3&theater https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

Phase 2 of lockdown (May 8 - 14) allows for movement with permission of individuals (funerals, shops, hospitals, etc.) and essential workers with permits. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2968076636608308/?type=3&theater

Phase 2 of lockdown (May 8 - 14) allows for some-work related internal movement with permission, including "pink slips" for work-related travel between one village to another. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2968076636608308/?type=3&theater

Students still not allowed back, but educators and support staff at primary, secondary, tertiary, technical and brigade schools allowed to return to work. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2972401316175840/?type=3&theater https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

Limited number of school staff allowed in to work in order to assess readiness for school reopening. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/2983492175066754/?type=3&theater

Non-contact sports are being allowed, unclear on what the maximum gathering size is. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/2983502158399089/?type=3&theater

Public transport still allowed to operate with restrictions on passenger numbers, radius (max 60km for taxis and minibuses), cleaning, and masks. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/2983511081731530/?type=3&theater

Botswana is divided into 9 covid zones. From May 15 - 22, green permits will be issued to allow for movement across zones for work. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/2983449311737707/?type=3&theater https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

Public campaigns continue as Botswana transitions into and out of Phase 3 of lockdown, both through official gov channels and social media. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3005245656224739/?type=3&theater https://covid19portal.gov.bw/?v=202005211151

All schools set to reopen (with restrictions) in phases beginning June 2nd. Restrictions include social distancing and class size limits. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/20/world/africa/20reuters-health-coronavirus-botswana.html?auth=login-facebook https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3005233319559306/?type=3&theater=

Workplaces allowed to reopen, however government still strongly advises people to work from home or conduct meetings via video calls. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/20/world/africa/20reuters-health-coronavirus-botswana.html?auth=login-facebook https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3000966146652690/?type=3&theater=

Botswana moves out of phase 3 of lockdown. Events like church services, art events, and youth sports allowed to resume, with some public events staggered through June in their opening. However, government continues to advise residents to stay home and social distance when possible. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3005245656224739/?type=3&theater https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/20/world/africa/20reuters-health-coronavirus-botswana.html?auth=login-facebook

As Botswana leaves phase 3 of lockdown, events like sports and performances are being allowed (with social distancing), which implies gatherings can have more than 10 people. No maximum restriction on gathering size can be found, although government is encouraging people to stay at home. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3000966146652690/?type=3&theater=

From May 20, Botswana ends phase 3 of lockdown. Public is allowed to go out, although government is still maintaining a campaign urging residents to strongly consider when and where they go out and to stay home if possible. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/20/world/africa/20reuters-health-coronavirus-botswana.html?auth=login-facebook https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dh1gDFQyUfExwy8suCH4Ch-QXFWXowLk/view https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3000966146652690/?type=3&theater=

Intra-zone travel is allowed without a permit. Inter-zone travel still requires a permit. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dh1gDFQyUfExwy8suCH4Ch-QXFWXowLk/view

These measures are still in place until end of June. https://www.rsm.global/botswana/news/covid-19-botswana-government-wage-subsidy-scheme

Policies still in place as of May 20. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#B

All buses allowed to reopen with social distancing restrictions. https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.336021353147196/3005248486224456/?type=3&theater

Previously coded as 1, however border remains closed to non-truck drivers and international flights are still banned. Previous coding: According to Voice of America 25th May, 2020, "Botswana introduced COVID-19 testing for truck drivers after confirming several imported cases of the coronavirus from truckers in the past week. Note: This means that border is not closed completely and this policy is introduced during previous week. But exact date is not confirmed. Link: https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-covid-border-checks-rile-truck-drivers

All public schools for completing classes (that is, Standard 7, and Forms 3 and 5) in Botswana open on June 2, 2020, including learners with disabilities that can practise social distancing and other safety protocols. Non-completing classes expected to resume on June 14, 2020, while learners with severe and profound disabilities expected to resume on August 4, 2020. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P3zZjpi24lupp2mkBqpyicX4BHRCpU72/view https://mobile.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3136649039751530&id=1396005227149262&_rdc=1&_rdr

Symptomatic individual tested. In addition, "All primary contacts regardless of whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic shall be taken to a quarantine facility (see Guideline 5: Quarantine and Isolation) by the contact tracing team using dedicated transport, where nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs will be collected for COVID-19 testing (see Appendix 8)." https://covid19portal.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-Contact-Tracing-Guideline.pdf

The government website outlines quite detailed guidelines for contact tracing. However, unclear to what extent this is realized in practice. https://covid19portal.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-Contact-Tracing-Guideline.pdf

Measures in place until end of June. https://www.rsm.global/botswana/news/covid-19-botswana-government-wage-subsidy-scheme

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#B

Public campaign continues, for instance the Extraordinary Gazette bulletin https://covid19portal.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2020-06/ExtraordinaryGazette12-06-2020.pdf

"Schools had reopened but will now close in Gaborone and surrounding areas until further notice." https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-capital-city-back-covid-19-lockdown

" Botswana’s director of health services, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, announced Friday that the capital, Gaborone, will return to extreme lockdown after eight new COVID-19 cases at a private hospital." https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-capital-city-back-covid-19-lockdown

"Botswana’s director of health services, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, announced Friday that the capital, Gaborone, will return to extreme lockdown after eight new COVID-19 cases at a private hospital." https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-capital-city-back-covid-19-lockdown

" Botswana’s director of health services, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, announced Friday that the capital, Gaborone, will return to extreme lockdown after eight new COVID-19 cases at a private hospital." https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-capital-city-back-covid-19-lockdown

"Botswana’s director of health services, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae, announced Friday that the capital, Gaborone, will return to extreme lockdown after eight new COVID-19 cases at a private hospital." https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswanas-capital-city-back-covid-19-lockdown

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Lockdown was lifted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Cargo allowed to move across border, however border otherwise remains closed See previous coding: According to African News "The presidential task force for COVID-19 reported that it had recorded success in mandatory testing of cross border travellers, after one such traveler tested positive. Note: This means that border is not closed. Test are conducted to check if traveller is tested positive or negative. This policy is being implemented from previous dates. Link https://www.africanews.com/2020/06/23/botswana-president-in-self-isolation-after-namibia-trip//

According to the UNESCO data base, schools are open in Botsawana country wide. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

According to the UK embassy, the majority of shops, banks and restaurants continue to operate, with precautionary measures in place including legislation that makes it compulsory to wear face coverings in public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus Botswana on Monday June 15th lifted a recently reinstated coronavirus lockdown on its capital city Gaborone and surrounding areas after most of the cases reported last week turned out to be negative. Botswana ended a 48-day national lock down on May 21, allowing businesses and schools to reopen. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-botswana/botswana-lifts-coronavirus-lockdown-in-capital-city-idUSKBN23M2VM

All individuals are expected to continue to practice social distancing during this time. Masks are required in all public places, and registration for entry to businesses and shops is mandatory. https://bw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

All individuals are expected to continue to practice social distancing during this time. Masks are required in all public places, and registration for entry to businesses and shops is mandatory. https://bw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

According to the UK embassy, air Botswana has suspended internal flights.The country is divided in to nine coronavirus zones. Although a travel permit is required to travel between the coronavirus zones, travel within a zone does not currently require any special permissions. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

The government established a Covid-19 Relief Fund with a 2 billion Pula (about 1,1 percent of GDP) contribution from the government that will: i) finance a wage subsidy amounting to 50% of salaries of affected businesses (1000-2500 pula per month for a period of 3 months ii) finance a waiver on training levy for a period of 6 months (150 million pula). The MoF also decided a tax deferral of 75% of any quarterly payment between March and September 2020 to be paid by March 2021.; iii) Build-up of fuel and grain reserves, as well as acquisition of relevant medical equipment and improvement of water supply (475 million Pula); iv) Fund a government loan guarantee scheme of 1 billion Pula (20% financed by commercial banks) for businesses that are tax compliant (including those who are not eligible to pay taxes). https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The government established a Covid-19 Relief Fund with a 2 billion Pula (about 1,1 percent of GDP) contribution from the government that will: i) finance a wage subsidy amounting to 50% of salaries of affected businesses (1000-2500 pula per month for a period of 3 months ii) finance a waiver on training levy for a period of 6 months (150 million pula). The MoF also decided a tax deferral of 75% of any quarterly payment between March and September 2020 to be paid by March 2021.; iii) Build-up of fuel and grain reserves, as well as acquisition of relevant medical equipment and improvement of water supply (475 million Pula); iv) Fund a government loan guarantee scheme of 1 billion Pula (20% financed by commercial banks) for businesses that are tax compliant (including those who are not eligible to pay taxes). https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

According to the Namibia COVID-19 situation report No 122, published on July18th. The government has increased active case search and testing, averaging 300 daily in the past weeks. To date, 18055 tests have been conducted, 3333 contacts of confirmed cases have been identified. Cumulatively, 1235 contacts have completed their 14 days of follow up. Call centre continues operation 24h/day. The link can’t be achieved. https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2020-07/Namibia%20COVID-19%20SITREP%20No.122.pdf

According to the UK embassy, the government requires to take temperature and to provide name and contact details when people entering businesses, offices and schools. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

A nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic ended on May 22 and in the capital on June 15. Businesses have been able to resume and schools reopen, albeit under strict health protocols as updated on the 30th of July. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/365131/botswana-authorities-reinstate-lockdown-in-gaborone-july-30-update-11

No new updates. Same as before. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

No new update. Same as before

On Monday, June 15, the Government of Botswana lifted a recently reinstated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown on its capital city Gaborone, after most of the newly reported cases over the past week turned out to be negative. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/351036/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-greater-gaborone-covid-19-zone-june-15-update-10

No new update. Same as before.

No new update. Same as before.

No new updates. Same as before.

In Botswana, international flights remain suspended and land borders are closed as at the 30th of July. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/365131/botswana-authorities-reinstate-lockdown-in-gaborone-july-30-update-11

No new update. Same as before.

No new update. Same as before.

No new update.Same as before. Source: https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/videos/covid-19-pandemic-briefing-permanent-secretaries-from-the-ministries-of-educatio/547189892647037/?_rdc=2&_rdr

No new update. Same as before

No new update. Same as before.

In the greater Gaborone region, all gatherings will be banned and hotels, restaurants, gyms, and schools will close. This was announced on the 30th of July, to be put in effect for the next two weeks. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/365131/botswana-authorities-reinstate-lockdown-in-gaborone-july-30-update-11

Other restrictions remain in place, including the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport and in taxis.

On Thursday, July 30, health authorities announced that the Greater Gaborone region would be placed under lockdown from midnight on Thursday for two weeks due to a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the capital. The announcement came after 30 new cases were recorded in Gaborone in the previous 24 hours. Under the measures only essential workers will be able to leave their homes for work, while others will only be able to go out to buy food and for other essential purposes. All gatherings will be banned and hotels, restaurants, gyms, and schools will close. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/365131/botswana-authorities-reinstate-lockdown-in-gaborone-july-30-update-11

On Thursday, July 30, health authorities announced that the Greater Gaborone region would be placed under lockdown from midnight on Thursday for two weeks due to a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the capital. The announcement came after 30 new cases were recorded in Gaborone in the previous 24 hours. Under the measures only essential workers will be able to leave their homes for work, while others will only be able to go out to buy food and for other essential purposes. All gatherings will be banned and hotels, restaurants, gyms, and schools will close. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/365131/botswana-authorities-reinstate-lockdown-in-gaborone-july-30-update-11

It appears that public transport is still running but that COVID-19 protocols must be adhered to public transport operators, such as not permitting anyone to use public transport without a face mask, cleaning the interior and exterior 2-3 times a day, and using hand sanitiser or washing hands etc. See the press release from the Government, archived: http://archive.vn/WsNAi

From 7 August, schools are closed in Greater-Gaborone Zone. See further information here on AfricaNews, archived: http://archive.vn/zmlCa; as well as the Presidential (COVID-19) Taskforce Bulletin published on 3 August, archived: http://archive.vn/1MOYi

According to an article in AfricaNews, a second two-week lockdown was taken into effect on August 7th in the capital, Gaborone, after virus cases doubled. Schools are now closed in the city and movement is restricted, requiring permits by anyone other than essential workers. See further information here, archived: http://archive.vn/zmlCa

According to an article in AfricaNews, a second two-week lockdown was taken into effect on August 7th in the capital, Gaborone, after virus cases doubled. Schools are now closed in the city and movement is restricted, requiring permits by anyone other than essential workers. See further information here, archived: http://archive.vn/zmlCa

In an article published by the UNCHR on 11 August, it has been reported that a UNHCR partner has engaged both community and religious leaders to educate refugees about COVID-19 prevention, and also to equip them to share this information with their communities. See the article here, archived: http://archive.vn/0Z3bt See a report here, archived: http://archive.vn/awt5l (page 3)

Most businesses in the rest of the country have been able to resume and schools reopen, albeit under strict health protocols. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/369236/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-gaborone-august-13-update-12 The reopening of schools will mainly focus on finalists and candidate classes. Source: https://observer.ug/news/headlines/66239-school-reopening-only-15-students-to-be-allowed-per-classroom

No new update. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/coronavirus

No new update.

Meetings of more than 50 people remain prohibited, religious meetings have been permitted with limits on capacity and whilst follolwing social distancing regulations. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/369236/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-gaborone-august-13-update-12

No new update. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/369236/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-gaborone-august-13-update-12

Additional restrictions remain in place nationwide. Meetings of more than 50 people remain prohibited, religious meetings have been permitted with limits on capacity and whilst follolwing social distancing regulations. Most businesses in the rest of the country have been able to resume and schools reopen, albeit under strict health protocols. Individuals are required to wear face masks in public places, businesses, and common areas of residential buildings, as well as on public transport, and in taxis nationwide. Social distancing of 1-2m (3-6.5 ft) is to be observed by all individuals and temperature screenings are common before entering establishments. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/369236/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-gaborone-august-13-update-12

Additional restrictions remain in place nationwide. Meetings of more than 50 people remain prohibited, religious meetings have been permitted with limits on capacity and whilst follolwing social distancing regulations. Most businesses in the rest of the country have been able to resume and schools reopen, albeit under strict health protocols. Individuals are required to wear face masks in public places, businesses, and common areas of residential buildings, as well as on public transport, and in taxis nationwide. Social distancing of 1-2m (3-6.5 ft) is to be observed by all individuals and temperature screenings are common before entering establishments. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/369236/botswana-authorities-lift-lockdown-in-gaborone-august-13-update-12

Returning residents, including from the UK, will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine period in government facilities at their own expense and compulsory COVID-19 testing. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/entry-requirements

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update. Source: https://www.gov.bw/ https://allafrica.com/stories/202008190192.html

No new update. Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/202008190192.html