Botswana confirms two cases of new Covid-19 B.1.617 Variant first discovered in India

17 May 2021
Share this story

The Pan Afrikanist Watchman  

A new COVID-19 variant (B.1.617), first discovered in the Republic of India was confirmed in Botswana on 13 May 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced.   According to spokesperson of the Ministry, Christopher Nyanga, this followed a case investigation within Greater Gaborone, involving people of Indian origin who arrived in the country on the 24th April 2021.  

Greater Gaborone, and the capital city has in recent months been declared a red zone.   Nyanga said that as at 16 May 2021, the B. 1. 617 variant was confirmed in two (2) people. The clients are currently receiving medical care and remain stable with no life-threatening symptoms.   The two (2) cases were part of 383 people (both Batswana and some Indian nationals) who were tested for COVID-19. From this number, 43 tested positive, with two (2) showing the B. 1. 617 variant.  

Nyanga explained that contact tracing has been expanded in line with COVID-19 protocols. All contacts and confirmed cases have been evacuated to facility based quarantine and isolation centres respectively, for close monitoring.   The ministry spokesperson added that in the wake of this confirmation, the public is further reminded of the government intervention to control the introduction of new variants of public health concern into the country.  
Nyanga reiterated that all those people who have travelled or transited through areas of high risk as previously communicated on 3rd May 2021 upon return shall:   Immediately quarantine in a central area to be identified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness for a period not exceeding ten (10) days.    Repeat Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test after seven (7) days of quarantine and be discharged as per the outcome of the results.    

Nyanga said that these requirements are complementary to the mandatory requirements of producing on arrival a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours from the time the sample was collected     The ministry advised the public to remain vigilant and minimise the spread of COVID-19 by following the already outlined preventative measures such as washing of hands with soap or use of a hand sanitiser, wearing of face masks, avoiding crowded places/social distancing and avoiding non-essential movement.  

The COVID-19 variant (B.1.617) recently wreaked havoc in India leading to over 300, 000 deaths – the highest number India has ever recorded since the advent of Covid-19. Incidentally, India, the world’s largest pharmaceutical factory – was the first country to donate a batch of Astrazaneca Covid vaccines, believing it had the pandemic under control.   Botswana has also recently received a donation of 200, 000 doses of Sinovac vaccines from China and will be buying another 200, 000 of the same vaccines from China.  

Last Posts

Leader of Opposition Hon. Dumelang Saleshando whose Botswana Congress Party (BCP) boasts 15 MPs in the 13th Parliament

 A Response to the State of the Nation Address

Share this story

Share this storyBy Hon Dumelang Saleshando Leader of Opposition 21 November 2024 Title: We have crossed the Rubicon: Now what awaits us? A new or old Botswana Mr. Speaker, your Honour the Vice President and…

17 May 2021

State of the Nation Address to the First Meeting of the First Session of the 13th Parliament

Share this story

Share this storyBy Advocate Duma Gideon Boko President of the Republic of Botswana 19th November 2024 Theme: Transforming Botswana for inclusive growth May their souls rest in peace and in their memory, let us forge…

17 May 2021

HB invests 137 Million Pula in Botswana, fuelling the nation’s rise as a diamond powerhouse

Share this story

Share this storyEighteen (18) months after launch, HB is advancing HB Botswana’s processing capacity with a transformative new 137 million Pula investment. This commitment will expand HB’s processing capacity and create hundreds of high-quality jobs,…

17 May 2021

Elephant over-population causes massive destruction of trees, poor food and water supply for all the wildlife_

U.S. Appeals Court’s decision on ivory, Rhino horn sales may signal reopening of international trade

Share this story

Share this story By Emmanuel Koro  Johannesburg,  19 November 2024 In a significant development for a return to a reasonable approach to trade in ivory and rhino horn products,  the U.S. Second Court of Appeals has…

17 May 2021

India in top 10 globally for patents, trademarks and industrial designs

Share this story

Share this storyIndia now ranks among the top 10 countries globally in the number of patents, trademarks and industrial design applications, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) 2024 report on IP trends. The…

17 May 2021

Irina Abramova (Moderator), Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug (Mauritania FM), Sergey Lavrov (Russia FM) and Dr Monque Nsanzabanganwa (African Union Commission) - Pic (TPA)

Russia has never been involved in the exploitation of African peoples – Sergey Lavrov

Share this story

Share this storyThe Pan Afrikanist Watchman At the close of the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum on November 10th 2024 in the Sirius Federal Territory, Sochi, Russia’s veteran Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov…

17 May 2021

Related Stories