Botswana’s first coronavirus-related death was a 79-year-old woman, who reportedly travelled through South Africa and was placed in quarantine.
The news of the death came only hours after President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a state of emergency and announced a 28-day lockdown from Thursday in the country.
Masisi says the threat to Botswana has escalated as neighbouring countries continue to report increasing cases of COVID-19. He is concerned by the low rate of testing in the country especially after the influx of his citizens returning from high-risk countries which now imposed lockdowns. Masisi says this prompted the decision to institute the 28-day lockdown.
The deceased was the fourth case of COVID-19 registered in Botswana.
The country’s vice president Slumber Tsogwane says the 14-people who have been in contact with her, have also been quarantined.
“The 79-year-old lady of Ramotswa travelled to Motswedi. She was buried on March 28 and had been on home quarantine. Contact tracing of 14-people is underway.”
