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.
