Botswana has lifted the mandatory wearing of masks and other remaining COVID-19 restrictions as the government announced a sharp decline in infections.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said Batswana and visitors are no longer required to wear face masks in public while the demand for proof of vaccination or PCR tests at ports of entry fell away with effect from Wednesday.
“The ministry of health informs members of the public that with effect from today, September 28, 2022, requirements of vaccination or PCR tests at ports of entry, and social distancing at schools have been removed,” ministry spokesperson Christopher Nyanga said on Wednesday.
He revealed that the number of new infections has declined over the past few months, with the seven-day average now down to 26 cases and no deaths as of Wednesday.
Botswana has recorded 2,789 deaths and 326,000 infections since early 2020.
The restrictions have been in force since April 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was first reported in neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe.
JN/APA