Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has extended the state of public emergency for another six months to the end of September as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In an Extraordinary Government Gazette published on Friday, Masisi said the extension was effective from April 1 to September 30 and that the decision was based on evidence provided by the director of health services which showed that the COVID-19 pandemic was still a major threat to the country.
The extension would involve a restriction on the movement of people during designated times as well as a ban on most public gatherings.
“The restriction of movement of persons shall apply from 2000 hours (1800 GMT) to 0400 hours daily,” Masisi said.
Anyone wishing to move around during curfew hours would be required to carry a movement permit showing that they work in sectors designated as providing essential services.
All gatherings are suspended, except for Cabinet, National Assembly and National Task Force on COVID-19 meetings.
Funerals are limited to a total of 50 persons and should not exceed two hours, while religious gatherings “may be held on any two days of the week, for less than two hours and the number of persons attending a service shall not exceed 50.”
Wedding celebrations are suspended, while restaurants are only allowed to operate at half capacity for on-site dining, with a maximum of 50 persons (excluding staff) at any given time.
Sports and recreational activities are suspended, except in instances where a national team sport activity is involved, in which case the matches would be played in empty stadia, Masisi said.
JN/APA