A man receives a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine in Gaborone, Botswana, on Jan. 17, 2022. (Xinhua/Tshekiso Tebalo)
Botswana announced that proof of full vaccination will be required for both citizens and non-citizens arriving in the country beginning Feb. 14, Minister of Health and Wellness Edwin Dikoloti said on Friday.
GABORONE, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Botswana announced that proof of full vaccination will be required for both citizens and non-citizens arriving in the country beginning Feb. 14, Minister of Health and Wellness Edwin Dikoloti said on Friday.
"We have amended the public health order, and as of February 14, those who want to enter Botswana will have to show that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, but if you are not fully vaccinated, you will have to show a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours at your own expense," Dikoloti explained.
People wait to receive booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine in Gaborone, Botswana, on Jan. 17, 2022. (Xinhua/Tshekiso Tebalo)
The rule does not apply to children under the age of 12. The government has also decided to provide those who are not fully vaccinated with the opportunity to be vaccinated at points of entry or borders by providing vaccination sites.
Meanwhile, out of the 347,000 people eligible for booster jabs, about 23 percent, or 79,000, have received them. According to Dikoloti, some vaccination sites were forced to close due to a low turnout of people receiving booster doses.
The southern Africa country is now bringing vaccination sites to the people, focusing on bus stations, churches, festivals, schools, universities, malls, and ward gatherings to encourage people to get vaccinated because of the availability of vaccines. Dikoloti emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated for those who are due for booster shots in order to be fully protected. ■
