Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has announced the lifting of international travel restrictions in the country in a phased manner, starting from next week, after months of closure as part of measures to contain the spread of the global coronavirus pandemic, reported CGTN Africa.
On Friday, Government spokesperson Andrew Sesinyi said air travel will resume on Nov. 9 at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport, and Maun International Airport before resumption of ground crossing on Dec. 1.
Sesinyi said road crossings will be allowed at the country’s commercial entry ports which include Kazungula Road, Kazungula Ferry, Martins Drift, Ramatlabana, Ngoma, Ramakgwebana, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer, and Mohembo.
He said the remaining points of entry will be considered in due course subject to disease burden and harmonization with other neighboring countries.
According to Sesinyi, all arriving travelers will have to present a valid 72-hour negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction result from time of departure and screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry. He added that all travelers will be required to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days doing self-monitoring.
Botswana has reported 7,835 coronavirus cases so far, including 27 deaths. About 5,534 people have recovered from the virus.
It is expected that more and more African countries will ease travel restrictions, ahead of the December festive season to allow families to travel for holidays.
Last month, Zimbabwe’s government announced the country’s land borders will be re-opened at the beginning of December after a reduction in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases. All airports and land entry points were closed at the end of March following the outbreak of the pandemic.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.), however, has urged African countries to exercise caution regarding the pandemic despite registering a downward trend in its curve during the past 90 days.
