An empty street in Gaborone, capital of Botswana, on April 3, 2020. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
Following a five-week lockdown to fight COVID-19, Botswana plans to slowly open up the economy under strict supervision.
GABORONE, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has intentions to slowly open up the economy following a five weeks lockdown, ending on Thursday, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country's legislators will convene an emergency parliament meeting on Wednesday to discuss new regulations expected to usher in the opening of businesses and schools, under strict supervision.
According to proposed regulations, presented by President Mokgweetsi Masisi to parliament on Tuesday, the southern Africa country wants to gradually allow businesses, traders or schools to operate after satisfying Health Services Director or any authorized official that they will prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"From 8th May, 2020 until 20th May, 2020 at midnight during this phase of the lockdown and for the remainder of the state of public emergency, a trade, business or school may operate where it has satisfied the Director of Health Services, or any person authorized by the Director for that purpose, of its ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the following," said the planned regulation.
Few people were seen at a station in Gaborone, capital of Botswana, on April 3, 2020. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
Some of the proposed interventions that institutions and entrepreneurs are expected to put in place include checking of body temperature of all persons accessing the trade business or school.
In addition, the government wants regular disinfecting of the trade, business or school premises, under the supervision of the Health Service Director. ■
