Covid-19
In May 2023, the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 as no longer a public health emergency of international concern.
However, new cases continue to arise in the Botswana pandemic, which had a significant impact on our daily lives. It remains unpredictable regarding the emergence of new strains, transmission rates and overall outcomes for infected people, but everyone has a critical role to play in this.
For information on new infections, deaths and vaccination coverage, official information from the government of Botswana on COVID-19 numbers, response and regulations, visit the Worldometer website.
Although COVID-19 affects different people in different ways, common symptoms include cough, fever and difficulty in breathing.
Other symptoms may include but are not limited to fatigue, running nose, loss of taste or smell, headache, sore throat, muscle aches or pains, and diarrhoea.
While COVID-19 presents a risk to everyone, including children, some people are at a higher risk. The risk profile has evolved based on the different variants of COVID-19 and vaccination status, however, people at a higher risk include the following:
- those with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma
- those with immunosuppressive diseases/ are taking immunosuppressive drugs
- The unvaccinated.
If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, you should notify the nearest health worker (including community health workers) at the nearest health facility and you will be advised accordingly.
Currently, all individuals aged 18 years and above are eligible to get the vaccine at any vaccination site in the country, with no need to register.
The people living in Dukwi camp, should go to the clinic at the camp for more information on vaccination.
Children aged 13-18 need parental consent to get the vaccine. Vaccination is also available for children below the age of 5 years at the Dukwi Refugee camp clinic.