Community testing of 22,000 people starts this weekend

The results of the sample testing are expected to inform health authorities on whether to relax or intensify the ongoing lockdown. The exercise is being done strategically at the halfway point of the lockdown and is expected to take between eight and 10 days, although it could go up to a week longer due to logistical issues at household level.

Should the ministry meet its target, the 22,000 tests will make Botswana the country with the fourth highest tests done in Africa, after South Africa, Ghana and Egypt. In terms of tests done per one million citizens, Botswana is already sixth in Africa and will jump to number one should the target be met.