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Wearing of masks in outdoor areas now optional

The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that effective today,
wearing of masks in outdoor areas will no longer be mandatory. Having reviewed
the disease burden in the country and globally and most Importantly, the high numbers of
people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Botswana, the Government of Botswana has decided

o relax some COVID-19 protocols in order to allow for more increased economic activity.
Save for schools, protocols relating to social distancing will also now be optional.
t has also been decided that
such Isolation has been prescribed by a physician or
by a physician or medical doctor. Further, immediate
COVID-19 testing of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people who presen
themselves at ports of entry, will no longer be conducted. This means that
unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people will now only require a 72 hour negative PCR
est result to be allowed entry into Botswana. However, anyone presenting themselves at

ports of entry, without the requisite documents (COVID-19 vaccination card or 72 hour
negative PCR test result), will be tested on arrival, at own cost and if positive, Isolated for 5
days within the district of the port of entry.
The ministry advises the public that though the disease burden has gone down in the
country and globally, the disease has not yet been fully defeated. Precautions should still be
taken to ensure safety, especially among elderly people and other vulnerable groups like
those with chronic illnesses. People should use their discretion to still follow som

protocols which are now optional, if they believe that doing so, will safeguard
their health. The ministry advises all those not yet vaccinated or taken their booster dose,
If due, to do so, because COVID-19 vaccination remains an effective and scientifically proven
protection against the disease.

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