Coronavirus: Botswana Cabinet, MPs placed in quarantine

The entire Cabinet as well as Members of Parliament of Botswana are set to be placed under quarantine for 14 days after it emerged that a health official who has been screening them tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to Bloomberg, the country’s Public Health Director Malaki Tshipayaagae on Thursday announced that even President Mokgweetsi Masisi would be quarantined.

“You have to quarantine at home if you can or, if that’s not possible, we will find a place for you to be quarantined. We will test you on the 14th day and if you are negative, allow you to go out of quarantine,” said Mr. Tshipayagae.

Cases of coronavirus in Botswana this week rose to 13, prompting President Masisi to call for a six-month state of emergency.

However, as stated by Bloomberg, the country’s constitution requires Parliamentary approval for a state of emergency exceeding 21 days.

President Masisi on Wednesday hence called for a meeting with the lawmakers seeking approval, and voting is set for Thursday.

President Masisi had previously placed himself under self-isolation after a trip to Namibia where three people tested positive for Covid-19.