COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center |title=Novel Coronavirus Information Center |last=Elsevier |date= |website=Elsevier Connect|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130171622/https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center|archive-date=30 January 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Matt |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |title=What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic? |date=4 March 2020 |magazine=Wired UK|access-date=5 March 2020 |issn=1357-0978|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus|archive-date=5 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003,{{cite web |url= https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/ |title=Crunching the numbers for coronavirus |website=Imperial News|date=13 March 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200319084913/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/|archive-date=19 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid |title=High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England |last= |first= |date= |website=GOV.UK |language=en|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051938/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid|archive-date=3 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020}} but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.{{cite web |url= https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus |title=World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists – Coronavirus |last= |first= |date= |website=www.wfsahq.org|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200312233527/https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus|archive-date=12 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}} Model-based simulations for Botswana indicate that the 95% confidence interval for the time-varying reproduction number R _t was lower than 1 in the second half of 2021.Future scenarios of the healthcare burden of COVID-19 in low- or middle-income countries, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College London.

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Botswana medical cases chart|float=center}}{{anchor|COVID chart}}

On 25 March, a 78-year-old woman who was suspected of having COVID-19 died in Ramotswa.{{Cite web|title=Mystery over Botswana's COVID-19 "Patient Zero" deepens|url=https://www.sundaystandard.info/mystery-over-botswanas-covid-19-patient-zero-deepens/|date=11 May 2020|website=Sunday Standard|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412070151/https://www.sundaystandard.info/mystery-over-botswanas-covid-19-patient-zero-deepens/|url-status=live}} A few days after her death, the results came back positive, making it the fourth confirmed case of COVID-19 in Botswana. In a live broadcast on BTV, vice president Slumber Tsogwane said tracer teams had picked up fourteen people who had been in contact with the infected patients and testing had been conducted on them. On 30 March, the first four cases in the country were confirmed via an announcement by Minister of Health and wellness Dr. Lemogang Kwape.{{Cite web |last= |date=31 March 2020 |title=Botswana registers first Covid-19 cases as three people test positive |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/botswana-registers-first-covid-19-cases-as-three-people-test-positive-45797335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331140206/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/botswana-registers-first-covid-19-cases-as-three-people-test-positive-45797335 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |access-date=31 March 2020 |website=www.iol.co.za |publisher= |language=en}}

There were two new COVID-19 tests a week later and on 19 April 2020 Dr. Kwape announced that there were five new COVID-19 cases, two of which came from the United Kingdom and three of which were locally transmitted, making the locally transmitted cases at that time 6.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

On 22 April, two more cases were confirmed in the Metsimotlhabe-Molepolole region, bringing the total number of cases to 22. Both new cases were reported to be locally transmitted, raising the total number of locally transmitted cases to 8 at that time.{{Cite web|title=Botswana records two more COVID-19 cases|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202004230132.html|website=allAfrica.com|date=22 April 2020|access-date=23 April 2020|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108110752/https://allafrica.com/stories/202004230132.html|url-status=live}} On 28 April there was one more locally transmitted case.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

According to the Ministry of Health contact tracing has commenced in Molepolole, Metsimotlhabe, Mahalapye, Bobonong and Siviya, all of which have coronavirus cases. As of 1 May 2020, 7675 tests have been made, members of the National Assembly and the president and the vice-president were found negative.

In a televised speech, President Masisi extended the national lockdown by a week and a further two weeks during which the lockdown would be sequentially eased. According to the president all 21 COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic and on their way to a full recovery. The results of those who were in contact with the deceased were announced by the Minister of Health and wellness Dr. Lemogang Kwape whom also announced the first three cases, Kwape announced that 7 of the 14 were found positive bringing the total number of cases at that time to 13.{{Cite web|title=Botswana registers 7 more COVID-19 cases|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/55551|last=|first=|date=9 April 2020|website=Botswana Daily News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001153621/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=55551 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |access-date=26 May 2020}}

On 29 April, Botswana recorded a total of 5 recoveries.{{Cite web|title=Five Covid-19 patients recovered|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/55897|website=DailyNews.gov.bw|date=29 April 2020|access-date=29 April 2020|language=en|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203128/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/55897|url-status=live}}

By the end of April the total number of confirmed cases reached 24, an increase by 19 from March. The death toll remained unchanged. There were 17 active cases, 14 more than at the end of March.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report 102 |url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200501-covid-19-sitrep.pdf?sfvrsn=742f4a18_4 |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2 July 2020 |page=6 |date=1 May 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503174111/https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200501-covid-19-sitrep.pdf?sfvrsn=742f4a18_4 |url-status=live }}

Three more recovered patients were announced on 1 May 2020.{{cite web|title=Botswana records three more recoveries|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/55943|website=Botswana Daily News|access-date=4 May 2020|date=2 May 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001162235/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=55943|url-status=live}}

On Thursday 7 May 2020 Botswana recorded on more COVID-19 recovery.

On Friday 8 May 2020 00:00 GMT+2 Botswana's 35 day lockdown period came to an end, the end of this period marks the beginning of the ease of the COVID-19 restrictions put in place by government for a further three weeks, with the return to work phases starting on 8 May 2020 and ending on 14 May.

On Monday 11 May 2020, Botswana recorded 1 more case.{{cite web|url=http://news.thevoicebw.com/gaborone-city-under-lockdown/|title=Gaborone City under lockdown|website=TheVoicebw.com|date=11 May 2020|access-date=13 May 2020|archive-date=16 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416084537/https://news.thevoicebw.com/gaborone-city-under-lockdown/|url-status=live}} As of 12 May 2020 there have been 11,495 tests performed. Five more patients recovered, leaving six active cases.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 Government of Botswana|url=https://www.gov.bw/COVID-19|website=gov.bw|access-date=12 May 2020|date=12 May 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610212923/https://www.gov.bw/COVID-19|url-status=live}} One more patient tested positive on 17 May, raising the number of active cases to 7.{{cite web|title=Coronavirus : le bilan en Afrique ce 19 mai|url=https://news.ebene-magazine.com/coronavirus-le-bilan-en-afrique-ce-19-mai/|website=EbeneMagazine.com|language=fr-FR|access-date=19 May 2020|date=19 May 2020|archive-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817163624/https://news.ebene-magazine.com/coronavirus-le-bilan-en-afrique-ce-19-mai/|url-status=live}} On 21 May four more positive tests were announced while two infected patients recovered, bringing the active cases at that time to 9. A day later on Friday 22 May 2020, Botswana recorded one case bringing the total number of new cases reported in the week beginning Sunday 17 May to six. On 24 May there were five additional cases, raising the total number to 35 and the number of active cases to 15.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

By the end of May, the total number of confirmed cases reached 35, with the death toll remained unchanged. There were 14 active cases, a decrease by 18% from the end of April.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report 132 |url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200531-covid-19-sitrep-132.pdf?sfvrsn=d9c2eaef_2 |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2 July 2020 |page=5 |date=31 May 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805141742/https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200531-covid-19-sitrep-132.pdf?sfvrsn=d9c2eaef_2 |url-status=live }}

By 14 June, there was a total of 24,800 COVID tests performed.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.bw/ |title=Home |website=gov.bw |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-date=1 December 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981201053701/http://www.gov.bw/ |url-status=live }}

On 13 June, The Botswana COVID-19 Presidential Task Force had decided to put the zone under lockdown for the second time. Schools and other non-essential services were re-closed, with no outside activity allowed without permits.{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3060957590653545&id=148228411926492&sfnsn=mo |title= LOCKDOWN OF GREATER GABORONE COVID-19 ZONE|website=www.facebook.com |language=en |access-date=13 June 2020}} The lockdown period ended on 16 June as they had successfully used contact tracing to identify the known contacts.{{cite web |title=LOCKDOWN LIFTED! |url=https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/3068997496516221/?type=3&theater |website=www.facebook.com |publisher=Botswana Government |access-date=17 June 2020}}

By the end of June, the total number of confirmed cases reached 227. Of these people, 181 persons had agreed to be repatriated to their home countries, 28 of the remaining 46 patients had recovered, one had died, and 17 remained active cases (an increase by 21% from the end of May).{{cite web |title=Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report 163 |url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200701-covid-19-sitrep-163.pdf?sfvrsn=c202f05b_2 |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2 July 2020 |page=7 |date=1 July 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702033315/https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200701-covid-19-sitrep-163.pdf?sfvrsn=c202f05b_2 |url-status=live }}

On 27 July, the second Botswana death via COVID-19 was reported.{{cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202007280081.html|title=Botswana registers second COVID-19 death|date=27 July 2020|access-date=11 March 2025|work=allAfrica}}

On 31 July, the Greater Gaborone zone had come under lock down for the third time after a steep uptick of COVID-19 locally transmitted cases. The lockdown was expected to take a period of two weeks.{{cite web|title=LOCKDOWN OF GREATER GABORONE ZONE|url=https://www.facebook.com/BotswanaGovernment/photos/a.617504571665538/3195165763899393|website=facebook.com|publisher=Botswana Government|access-date=31 July 2020|date=30 July 2020}} By the end of the month, the total number of confirmed cases was 894.

On 6 August a doctor and his wife tested positive at Bamalete Lutheran Hospital, while a patient at the same hospital died from suspected COVID-19.{{cite web|title=Doctor tests positive of Covid-19 at Bamalete Lutheran Hospital|url=https://news.thevoicebw.com/doctor-tests-positive-covid-19-at-bamalete-lutheran-hospital/|publisher=TheVoiceBW|access-date=9 August 2020|date=7 August 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203149/https://news.thevoicebw.com/doctor-tests-positive-covid-19-at-bamalete-lutheran-hospital/|url-status=live}} The following day, members of the Presidential COVID-19 task force were tested for coronavirus. 10 of the 46 tests carried out among the task force were positive. Members testing positive included Dr Kereng Masupu (coordinator) and Dr Mogomotsi Matshaba (scientific advisor).{{cite news|title=Coronavirus – Botswana: the Presidential COVID-19 task team results|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/apo/coronavirus-botswana-the-presidential-covid-19-task-team-results-2024081105553348622|work=pulse|access-date=11 March 2025|date=11 August 2024}} Professor Mosepele (deputy coordinator), who tested negative, tendered his resignation from the task force but later withdrew it.{{cite web|title=Mosepele decides to stay with team|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57645|work=Daily News|access-date=9 August 2020|date=9 August 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203137/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57645|url-status=live}}

There were 172 new cases on 7 August, the highest number of infections announced in a single day so far. Three days later 148 new cases were reported, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 1214. A fatality was announced on 13 August, raising the death toll to three.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 cases up by 130 per cent|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57765|work=Daily News|access-date=18 August 2020|date=16 August 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203151/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57765|url-status=live}} The same day 94 new cases were reported, of which 67 were citizens and 27 were foreign nationals.{{cite web|title=31 health workers COVID-19 positive|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57830|work=Daily News|access-date=19 August 2020|date=18 August 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203137/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57830|url-status=live}} The total number of confirmed cases rose to 1308.

On 16 August there were 134 new cases, raising the total number of cases to 1442. This rose to 1562 on 22 August after 120 new cases were confirmed (73 locals and 47 foreigners).{{cite web|title=Local transmission spreads countrywide|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57995|work=Daily News|access-date=27 August 2020|date=25 August 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203139/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/57995|url-status=live}}

71 new cases and three deaths were reported on 24 August, raising the total number of cases to 1633 and the death toll to 6. The three fatalities reported on 24 August were a three-month-old baby and two adult women.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

There were 91 new cases on 28 August, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 1724.

On 4 September the number of confirmed cases rose by 278 to 2002; the highest daily increase so far. The death toll increased to 8. On 7 and 10 September another 124 and 126 cases were announced, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 2252. The death toll increased to 10.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 Task Force Team to introduce geo fencing bracelet|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/58435|publisher=Botswana Daily News|date=14 September 2020|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203139/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/58435|url-status=live}}

On 14 September there were 211 new cases, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 2463. The death toll rose to 11. Two days later 104 more cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2567. The death toll rose to 13.{{cite web|title=Task team foresees jump in COVID-19 cases|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/58560|publisher=Botswana Daily News|date=20 September 2020|access-date=21 September 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204209/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/58560|url-status=live}}

There were 354 new cases on 24 September, the highest number of daily reported cases so far and bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2921. The death toll rose to 16.{{cite web|title=Botswana removes travel restrictions for local holidaymakers|url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/266523096/botswana-removes-travel-restrictions-for-local-holidaymakers|publisher=Big News Network|date=27 September 2020|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109065230/https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/266523096/botswana-removes-travel-restrictions-for-local-holidaymakers|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Covid-19 funeral traumatises family|url=https://news.thevoicebw.com/2020/12/covid-19-funeral-traumatises-family/|publisher=TheVoiceBW|last1=Koogotsitse|first1=Gofaone|date=15 December 2020|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219122302/https://news.thevoicebw.com/2020/12/covid-19-funeral-traumatises-family/|url-status=dead}}

Three days later, the total number of confirmed cases rose by 251 to 3172. The death toll remained unchanged.{{cite web|title=Botswana extends emergency measures to combat virus|url=https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-southern-africa-travel-gaborone-africa-5676fe68e59bd947cefefdfde490fb51|publisher=AP|date=29 September 2020|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929211942/https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-southern-africa-travel-gaborone-africa-5676fe68e59bd947cefefdfde490fb51|url-status=live}}

On 25 November, the number of confirmed cases increased to 10258, surpassing 10000 confirmed cases in the country.

On 2 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 11531, of which 1521 had been transferred to other countries, while the death toll rose to 34.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 47: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/AfricaCDC_COVIDBrief_8DEC20_EN-.pdf|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=14 December 2020|page=4|date=8 December 2020|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112012419/https://africacdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/AfricaCDC_COVIDBrief_8DEC20_EN-.pdf|url-status=live}}

On 6 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 12058, of which 1532 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 36.

On 11 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 12501, of which 1570 had been transferred to other countries.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 48: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://au.int/sites/default/files/newsevents/workingdocuments/39808-wd-africacdc_covidbrief_15dec20_en_.pdf|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=11 March 2025|page=4|date=15 December 2020}} The death toll rose to 37. Three days later the number of confirmed cases increased to 12873, of which 1593 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 38.{{cite web|last1=Manyepedza|first1=Chendzimu|title=Stay home|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60200|work=Daily News|access-date=16 December 2020|date=15 December 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204146/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60200|url-status=live}} Two days later the number of confirmed cases rose to 13014, of which 1600 had been transferred to other countries.{{cite web|title=The great Gaborone escape|url=https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=88195&dir=2020/december/18|publisher=Mmegi|access-date=21 December 2020|date=18 December 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204146/https://www.mmegi.bw/news/the-great-gaborone-escape/news|url-status=live}}

On 20 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 13622 of which 1640 had been transferred to other countries.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update|url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20201229_weekly_epi_update_con_20_cleared.pdf?sfvrsn=f92679b8_8&download=true|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=30 December 2020|page=3|date=29 December 2020|archive-date=31 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231160134/https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20201229_weekly_epi_update_con_20_cleared.pdf?sfvrsn=f92679b8_8&download=true|url-status=live}}

On 23 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 14025 of which 1685 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 40.

On 29 December the number of confirmed cases increased to 14700 of which 1759 had been transferred to other countries. Two days later the number of confirmed cases increased to 14877 of which 1786 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 42.{{cite web|title=New coronavirus strain in Botswana|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60373|work=Daily News|access-date=4 January 2021|date=4 January 2021|archive-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105114457/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=60373|url-status=live}}

On 3 January the number of confirmed cases increased to 15440 of which 1827 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 45. The Minister of Health and Wellness Edwin Dikoloti announced that the 501.V2 variant first identified in South Africa on 18 December had reached Botswana. According to the Director of Health Services, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye, cases of the variant appeared to be overrepresented in the Maun area.{{cite web|last1=Mathala|first1=Sharon|title=Maun a hot spot for new Covid-19 variant|url=https://news.thevoicebw.com/2021/01/maun-hot-spot-for-new-covid-19-variant/|website=The Voice|access-date=13 January 2021|date=13 January 2021|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113073909/https://news.thevoicebw.com/2021/01/maun-hot-spot-for-new-covid-19-variant/|url-status=dead}}

On 6 January the number of confirmed cases increased to 16050 of which 1879 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 48.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update|url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/weekly_epidemiological_update_23.pdf?sfvrsn=6ac0778_5&download=true|website=World Health Organization|access-date=21 January 2021|date=19 January 2021|page=13|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120202105/https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/weekly_epidemiological_update_23.pdf?sfvrsn=6ac0778_5&download=true|url-status=live}} Two days later the number of confirmed cases increased to 16768 of which 1925 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 59.

On 18 January, the number of confirmed deaths surpassed 100, increasing to 105.{{cite web|title=Botswana's COVID-19 deaths surpass 100|url=http://www.businessworld.in/article/Botswana-s-COVID-19-deaths-surpass-100/22-01-2021-368542/|website=BW Businessworld|access-date=9 February 2021|date=22 January 2021|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226073856/http://www.businessworld.in/article/Botswana-s-COVID-19-deaths-surpass-100/22-01-2021-368542/|url-status=live}}

On 1 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 23503 of which 2230 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 163.

On 5 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 24435 of which 2270 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 179.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 56: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-56-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=11 February 2021|page=4|date=9 February 2021|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226124714/https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-56-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On 8 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 24926 of which 2299 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 202.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 deaths at 202|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60896|work=Daily News|access-date=13 February 2021|date=11 February 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204650/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60896|url-status=live}}

On 15 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 26524 of which 2327 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 254.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 58: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-58-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=24 February 2021|page=4|date=23 February 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413022517/https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-58-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On 19 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 27721 of which 2329 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 300. Most cases occurred in population agglomerations such as Gaborone, Francistown, Selebi Phikwe, Maun, Mochudi and Molepolole.{{cite web|title=Negligence not cause of soaring COVID-19 deaths|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61090|work=Daily News|access-date=25 February 2021|date=23 February 2021|last1=Galeragwe|first1=Moshe|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204650/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61090|url-status=live}}

On 22 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 28371 of which 2340 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 310.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 deaths at 310|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61139|work=Daily News|access-date=28 February 2021|date=25 February 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204714/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61139|url-status=live}}

On 26 February the number of confirmed cases increased to 30727 of which 2353 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 332.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 claims 22 more lives, records 3 158 active cases|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61189|work=Daily News|access-date=1 March 2021|date=1 March 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726204650/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61189|url-status=live}}

On 9 March Botswana received a shipment of 30,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine, donated by India.{{cite web|title=What is Covishield?|url=https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=89055&dir=2021/march/09|work=Mmegi|access-date=24 March 2021|date=9 March 2021|last1=Mguni|first1=Mbongeni|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309181213/https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=89055&dir=2021/march/09|url-status=live}}

Mass vaccination began on 26 March, initially with 30,000 doses donated by India and 33,600 doses purchased through the COVAX facility.{{cite web|title=Vaccination starts today – Health PS|url=https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=89253&dir=2021/march/26|work=Mmegi|access-date=28 March 2021|date=26 March 2021|last1=Mguni|first1=Mbongeni|last2=Basimanebotlhe|first2=Tsaone|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726205702/https://www.mmegi.bw/news/vaccination-starts-today-health-ps/news|url-status=live}} The number of confirmed cases increased to 39851 of which 2389 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 568.{{cite web|title=Only state of emergency can deal with COVID-19|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61676|work=Daily News|access-date=5 April 2021|date=31 March 2021|last1=Ntshole|first1=Tebagano|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726205703/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61676|url-status=live}}

By 10 April, 31628 persons had received their first inoculation.{{cite web|title=Two vaccination-related fatalities under investigation|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61769|website=Daily News|access-date=12 April 2021|date=12 April 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726205706/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/61769|url-status=live}}

On 30 April the number of confirmed cases increased to 50333 of which 2482 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 724. Since the start of vaccination on 26 March, 49882 persons had received their first inoculation.

File:The United States Delivers COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to Botswana (51391201321).jpgs to Botswana as part of the COVAX program in 2021]]

On 17 May the number of confirmed cases increased to 54151 of which 2531 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 784.{{cite web|title=COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update|page=18|url=https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---25-may-2021|website=World Health Organization|access-date=26 May 2021|date=25 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525230718/https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---25-may-2021|url-status=live}} Since the start of vaccination on 26 March, 88907 persons had received their first inoculation. The same day the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced that the variant first identified in India on 5 October had reached Botswana on 24 April and that so far two cases had been identified.{{cite web|title=Botswana confirms new COVID-19 variant|url=https://www.weekendpost.co.bw/31284/news/botswana-confirms-new-covid-19-variant/|website=Weekend Post|access-date=18 May 2021|date=17 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518064504/https://www.weekendpost.co.bw/31284/news/botswana-confirms-new-covid-19-variant/|url-status=live}}

On 21 May the number of confirmed cases increased to 55402 of which 2537 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 809. Since the start of vaccination on 26 March, 120055 persons had received their first inoculation.{{cite web|title=25 more succumb to COVID-19 variant|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/62358|website=Daily News|access-date=25 May 2021|date=24 May 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726205711/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/62358|url-status=live}}

On 18 June the number of confirmed cases increased to 68387 of which 2579 had been transferred to other countries. The death toll rose to 1069.{{cite web|title=Botswana surpasses 1 000 mark in COVID-19 deaths|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/62829|work=Daily News|access-date=21 June 2021|date=21 June 2021|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726210210/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/62829|url-status=live}} Since the start of vaccinations on 26 March, 152383 vaccine doses had been administered and 48510 persons had been fully vaccinated.

On 23 July the number of confirmed cases increased to 102124 (excluding those transferred to other countries). The death toll rose to 1485. Since the start of vaccinations on 26 March, 121518 persons had been fully vaccinated.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 80: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-80-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=27 July 2021|page=5|date=27 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731082735/https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-80-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On 13 August, the death toll rose to 2043, surpassing 2000 deaths in the country.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 83: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-83-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=20 August 2021|date=17 August 2021|page=4|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820150003/https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-83-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On 27 August, the number of fully vaccinated citizens surpassed 200,000 increasing to 207,695.

On 11 November, the first four cases in the world of the highly mutated Omicron variant of COVID-19 were identified on 22 November from tests taken in Botswana.{{cite web|title=New COVID variant 'may sidestep vaccine protection'|url=https://pharmaphorum.com/news/new-covid-variant-may-sidestep-vaccine-protection/|website=pharmaphorum|access-date=25 November 2021|date=25 November 2021|last1=Taylor|first1=Phil|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125141051/https://pharmaphorum.com/news/new-covid-variant-may-sidestep-vaccine-protection/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Statement on new COVID-19 variant in Botswana|url=https://news.thevoicebw.com/2021/11/new-covid-19-variant-in-botswana/|website=TheVoiceBW|access-date=26 November 2021|date=26 November 2021|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126145719/https://news.thevoicebw.com/2021/11/new-covid-19-variant-in-botswana/|url-status=dead}}

By 26 November, the number of fully vaccinated citizens surpassed half a million, increasing to 508980 on that day.{{cite web|title=Outbreak brief 98: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic|url=https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-98-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Africa CDC|access-date=3 December 2021|date=30 November 2021|page=4|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203211323/https://africacdc.org/download/outbreak-brief-98-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-pandemic/|url-status=live}}

On 10 December, the number of fully vaccinated people surpassed one million.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

On 16 December the number of confirmed cases surpassed 200,000, increasing to 204701.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Modelling by WHO's Regional Office for Africa suggests that due to under-reporting, the true cumulative number of infections by the end of 2021 was around 1.3 million while the true number of COVID-19 deaths was around 3586.{{cite journal|last1=Cabore|first1=Joseph Waogodo|last2=Karamagi|first2=Humphrey Cyprian|last3=Kipruto|first3=Hillary Kipchumba|last4=Mungatu|first4=Joseph Kyalo|last5=Asamani|first5=James Avoka|last6=Droti|first6=Benson|last7=Titi-ofei|first7=Regina|last8=Seydi|first8=Aminata Binetou Wahebine|last9=Kidane|first9=Solyana Ngusbrhan|last10=Balde|first10=Thierno|last11=Gueye|first11=Abdou Salam|last12=Makubalo|first12=Lindiwe|last13=Moeti|first13=Matshidiso R|title=COVID-19 in the 47 countries of the WHO African region: a modelling analysis of past trends and future patterns|journal=The Lancet Global Health|date=1 June 2022|volume=10|issue=8|pages=e1099–e1114|doi=10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00233-9|pmid=35659911|pmc=9159735|url=https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2214-109X%2822%2900233-9|access-date=2 June 2022|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331153341/https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2214-109X(22)00233-9|url-status=live}}

On 3 January, as it was announced that the president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating.{{cite web|title=Weekly bulletin on outbreaks and other emergencies|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/351001/OEW02-0309012022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=13 January 2022|date=9 January 2022|page=5|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115192013/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/351001/OEW02-0309012022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=live}}

On 16 January, the COVID-19 vaccine booster was administered worldwide.{{cite web|title=Weekly bulletin on outbreaks and other emergencies|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/351164/OEW04-1723012022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=31 January 2022|date=23 January 2022|page=5|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131093937/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/351164/OEW04-1723012022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=live}}

On 15 March, the number of confirmed cases surpasses 300,000, increasing to 304706. The death toll rose to 2673. Since the start of vaccinations on 26 March 2021, over 1.4 million persons had been fully vaccinated while over 200,000 people have received the booster vaccination.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

On 24 June, the Ministry of Health announced that the country was in the midst of a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections that began in May of the same year.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

On 30 June, the number of people that have received the booster vaccination surpassed 400,000.{{cite web|title=Weekly bulletin on outbreaks and other emergencies|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/359281/OEW27-270603072022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=World Health Organization|page=6|access-date=15 July 2022|date=3 July 2022|archive-date=15 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715182558/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/359281/OEW27-270603072022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=live}}

On 27 October, the number of fully vaccinated people rose above 1.5 million.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The number of confirmed cases increased to 327,021 on 3 December, 327471 on 10 December, 327,820 on 17 December, 328031 on 24 December, and 328,190 on 31 December. The death toll rose to 2787.{{cite web|title=Weekly bulletin on outbreaks and other emergencies|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365578/OEW02-0208012023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=13 January 2023|page=9|date=8 January 2023|archive-date=13 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113133722/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365578/OEW02-0208012023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=live}}

Since the start of vaccinations on 26 March 2021, 1.6 million persons had been fully vaccinated while half a million have received the booster vaccination.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The Ministry of Health and Wellness announced on 13 January that the XBB.1.5 variant had been detected in Botswana.

The number of confirmed cases increased to 330,409 in 2023. The death toll rose to 2,800.{{cite web|title=Botswana|url=https://www.who.int/countries/bwa|publisher=World Health Organization|date=19 December 2023|access-date=7 March 2024|archive-date=24 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324054915/https://www.who.int/countries/bwa/|url-status=live}}

The line charts below show the cumulative and new COVID-19 cases and deaths in Botswana during the height of the pandemic. All info was taken from the [https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/disease-outbreaks/outbreaks-and-other-emergencies-updates Weekly Bulletin on outbreaks and other emergencies.]from the Africa CDC.

File:Cases Culm Botswana.svg

File:Cases Perday Botswana.svg

File:Covid 19 Deaths Cumulative Botswana.svg

File:Covid 19 Deaths Per day in Botswana Line Graph.svg

{{main article|COVID-19 vaccination in Botswana}}

As a precautionary measure the government has banned gatherings of more than 50 people and the entry of people from countries deemed high-risk.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=84896&dir=2020/march/16|title=Coronavirus: Botswana bans US, UK, China arrivals|date=16 March 2020|publisher=Mmegi|access-date=22 April 2021|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405192047/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=84896&dir=2020/march/16|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/botswana-bars-travellers-from-coronavirus-hit-countries/|title=Botswana bars travellers from coronavirus-hit countries|date=16 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405192048/https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/botswana-bars-travellers-from-coronavirus-hit-countries/|url-status=live}} On 24 March, the government announced that borders would be closed, save for twelve designated entry points.{{cite web|url=https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/bordering-africa-s-epicenter-how-early-action-and-careful-border-control-policies-have-so-far-contained-covid-19-to-clusters-in-botswana|title=Bordering Africa's epicenter: How early action and careful border control policies have so far contained COVID-19 to clusters|date=19 July 2020|access-date=22 April 2021|page=1|publisher=World Health Organization|archive-date=19 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319154027/https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/bordering-africa-s-epicenter-how-early-action-and-careful-border-control-policies-have-so-far-contained-covid-19-to-clusters-in-botswana|url-status=live}} Citizens of Botswana are permitted to return but must be quarantined for 14 days. There is concern, however, that people may still enter Botswana illegally from Zimbabwe by avoiding official border crossings.{{cite news |title=Botswana, with No COVID-19 Cases, Closes Borders After Death in Zimbabwe |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/science-health_coronavirus-outbreak_botswana-no-covid-19-cases-closes-borders-after-death-zimbabwe/6186332.html |access-date=25 March 2020 |work=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405192037/https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/botswana-no-covid-19-cases-closes-borders-after-death-zimbabwe |url-status=live }}

All schools were closed from 20 March. Teaching resumed on 2 June.{{cite news|title=Botswana schools reopen amid concerns over preparedness|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/covid-19-pandemic_botswana-schools-reopen-amid-concerns-over-preparedness/6190578.html|access-date=9 June 2020|date=5 June 2020|work=Voice of America|language=en|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608061308/https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/botswana-schools-reopen-amid-concerns-over-preparedness|url-status=live}}

The pandemic and travel restrictions disrupted what was to be Botswana's first elephant hunting season since 2014{{cite news |title=Coronavirus may mean Botswana's hunting season is cancelled |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-botswana-hunting-season-cancelled-200324063714759.html |access-date=25 March 2020 |work=www.aljazeera.com |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405192040/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-botswana-hunting-season-cancelled-200324063714759.html |url-status=live }} and affected the diamond industry.{{cite news |title=Botswana's Diamond Sales Face Slump as Coronavirus Locks Out Key Buyers |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/science-health_coronavirus-outbreak_botswanas-diamond-sales-face-slump-coronavirus-locks-out-key/6186037.html |access-date=25 March 2020 |work=Voice of America |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405192041/https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/botswanas-diamond-sales-face-slump-coronavirus-locks-out-key |url-status=live }}

On 31 March the president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi gave a speech and declared a State of Public Emergency for the purpose of taking appropriate and stringent measures to address the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president said that a 21-day State of Public Emergency would not be sufficient to employ the necessary measures to fight the pandemic. The State of Public Emergency would have come into effect from Thursday, 2 April 2020 until Thursday, 30 April 2020, days later the president wanted to extend the 28 day State of Public Emergency to a six month long State of Public Emergency which will end on Friday, 2 October 2020. The president summoned the National Assembly in order for the MPs to vote on the six-month extension. On Thursday, 9 April 2020 the National assembly voted in favour of the six-month extension by acclamation. The full presidential speech can be found here: [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SMuG_sIy5Aw8sb5W6t3kOxOzV1mGH1lE Botswana's response to the COVID-19 pandemic].

With effect from 1 May 2020, wearing a face mask is compulsory when leaving one's home.{{cite news |title=Botswana records three more recoveries |url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/55943 |access-date=4 May 2020 |work=Botswana Daily News |publisher=Department of Information Services |date=2 May 2020 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001162235/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=55943 |url-status=live }}

On 20 May the extreme social distancing brought in on 2 April came to an end. It was replaced by a zoning strategy combined with 13 check points between zones. There are nine COVID-19 zones: Boteti, Chobe, Ghanzi, Greater Francistown, Greater Gaborone, Greater Palapye, Greater Phikwe, Maun, Kgalagadi. On 31 July the Greater Gaborone zone came under lock down.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

On 12 June Stanbic Bank Botswana was ordered temporarily to close its Gaborone head office and Fairgrounds branch following a positive test for COVID-19 from an employee.{{cite news|title=Stanbic Bank Botswana confirms case of coronavirus|url=http://www.thetswanatimes.co.bw/index.php/sports/athletics/92-home/815-stanbic-bank-botswana-confirms-case-of-coronavirus|access-date=28 June 2020|work=The Tswana Times|publisher=Tsolohi Communications|date=12 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629194615/http://www.thetswanatimes.co.bw/index.php/sports/athletics/92-home/815-stanbic-bank-botswana-confirms-case-of-coronavirus|url-status=live}} After comprehensive testing with negative results they were able to open again on 17 June (head office) and 18 June (branch).{{cite news|title=Stanbic Bank Botswana resumes operations of head office, Fairgrounds branch after coronavirus scare|url=https://botswanaunplugged.com/16408/stanbic-bank-botswana-resumes-operations-of-head-office-fairgrounds-branch-after-coronavirus-scare/|access-date=28 June 2020|work=BotswanaUnplugged|publisher=WindRush Communications|date=22 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629194614/https://botswanaunplugged.com/16408/stanbic-bank-botswana-resumes-operations-of-head-office-fairgrounds-branch-after-coronavirus-scare/|url-status=dead}}

Also on 12 June, Gaborone Private Hospital (GPH) was ordered to close following eight patients testing positive. All eight tests were later declared negative by the COVID-19 Task Force Team after additional testing and the hospital was allowed to open again from 15 June.{{cite news|title=GPH reopened after inspection by health officials hits blanks|url=http://www.thetswanatimes.co.bw/index.php/92-home/816-gph-reopened-after-inspections-by-health-officials-hits-blanks|access-date=28 June 2020|work=The Tswana Times|publisher=Tsolohi Communications|date=15 June 2020}} GPH has subsequently insisted on its original positive test results.{{cite news|title=GPH stands by its positive COVID-19 results|url=https://news.thevoicebw.com/gph-stands-by-its-positive-covid-19-results/|access-date=28 June 2020|work=The Voice Newspaper Botswana|date=23 June 2020|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627095307/https://news.thevoicebw.com/gph-stands-by-its-positive-covid-19-results/|url-status=live}} The disagreement over test protocols, outcomes and use of accredited laboratories risked escalating to a matter of national security.{{cite news|title=Private hospital COVID-19 test mutates into a national security issue|url=https://www.sundaystandard.info/private-hospital-covid-19-test-mutates-into-a-national-security-issue/|access-date=29 June 2020|work=Sunday Standard Botswana|date=22 June 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726210218/https://www.sundaystandard.info/private-hospital-covid-19-test-mutates-into-a-national-security-issue/|url-status=live}}

From 24 December to 31 January a nationwide curfew was in place nightly from 7pm to 4am.{{cite news|title=President Masisi implements nationwide curfew|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60322|access-date=24 December 2020|work=Daily News|date=24 December 2020|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726210218/https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60322|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Curfew extended to January 31|url=https://dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/60371|access-date=4 January 2021|work=Daily News|date=4 January 2021|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106110028/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=60371|url-status=live}}

Sanitising station at church.jpg|Sanitising station at church.

A man disinfecting the truck.jpg|A man disinfecting a truck.

Teenager wearing a marsk under a tree.jpg|Teenager wearing a mask.

Step on the markings!!.jpg|Social distancing at University of Botswana.

Teachers social distancing in Selebi Phikwe.jpg|Teachers keeping a safe distance.

• COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
• World Health Organization
• COVID-19 recession in Botswana
• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

{{Reflist}}

• [https://covid19portal.gov.bw/?v=202005211151 Government COVID-19 website]
• [https://corona-stats.mobi/en/BOT/national.phpp COVID-19 statistics for Botswana] – UCT

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}

coronavirus pandemic

coronavirus pandemic

Botswana

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Category:Disease outbreaks in Botswana