Eyebrows have been raised as Botswana plans to lift its curfew on January 31st. The nationwide curfew from 7 am to 4 pm was put in place on December 24th, 2020, and is expected to be lifted on January 31st, 2021. The statement was made by Minister of Health and Wellness, Edwin Dikoloti.
With a new wave of the covid-19 virus emerging, many have raised their concerns about lifting the curfew.
According to widespread reports, some members of the various communities have flouted the curfew restrictions and Covid-19 protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
The emergence of a new and easily communicable batch of the virus would lead to more infected cases and patients.
With already more than fourteen thousand plus recorded Covid cases and over forty deaths, lifting the curfew would highly increase the virus’s likelihood of spreading.
The new virus known as 501V2 is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is more deadly than the virus and can quickly spread faster and more extensively.
With things expected to go back to normal once the curfew is lifted; schools, banks, churches, and all other public places expected to re-open, it could be a disaster waiting to happen if there is a lack of proper supervision.
There is a very high tendency for people to disregard COVID-19 safety measures. Even with the curfew, people still unlawfully gather in large numbers, most do not use their nose masks, and the proper social distancing method is not adhered to.
With Covid-19 having crippled many countries’ economies, including Bostwana, it is imperative to get out of the fix the pandemic has brought upon us. This can only be achieved by visibly reducing and lowering the number of Covid cases.
The number of cases still continues to rise, and with still no vaccine available, the curfew should remain in place.
Currently, with gatherings of over fifty people prohibited and public spots, it has helped to stem the increase of the virus.
The concerns raised are well-meaning and are for the good of the entire citizens of Botswana. Without the curfew in place, the numbers would have definitely gone off the charts.
The removal of the curfew would be a big mistake, considering the second wave’s deadly nature.