Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Updates

Campus Closure
Last updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 14:19

The President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a State of Public Emergency due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Following this declaration, the University of Botswana wishes to inform its staff, students and stakeholders that it will continue to suspend teaching and learning until the 28th April, 2020, subject to review. The University facilities, Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Basketball and Volleyball courts will also be closed. Stakeholders are informed that University services will be affected by the State of Public Emergency.

APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT

Prospective students are encouraged to apply online at www.ub.bw. Application fee can be paid on-line through https://www.ub.bw/ubpayments.

The University implores its current and prospective students, staff, and members of the public to adhere to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness protocols by practising social distancing, washing of hands, keeping a clean environment, avoiding mass gatherings and stay at home .

For enquiries contact:

University of Botswana Department of Public Affairs
(+267) 3552244/2285
Email: Directorpa@mopipi.ub.bw

There is currently no vaccine or therapeutics for COVID-19. Prevention is better than cure.


Health Measures

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash them with soap and water for 20-30 seconds after using the toilet, before and after eating or handling food, and before and after any prolonged contact with other individuals. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Social distancing helps separate you from people who are ill and reduces the spread of illness

Maintain at least 1-2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Other important social distancing measures you can take:

  • Do not share water bottles, food, towels, utensils, etc.
  • Do not shake hands.
  • Throw away used tissues and disposable items
  • Frequently clean touched surfaces with household disinfectant and leave slightly wet. Allow to air dry for best disinfection.
  • Respectfully, stay away from sick people.
  • Avoid going to large public venues such as theatres or sporting events.

More information on recommended social distancing measures can be found on the Ministry of Health and Wellness Facebook page; Covid-19_Mohw

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

About Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 continues to spread in most countries all over, and was declared a Pandemic by the WHO on the 11th March 2020.

Transmission of the virus is through:

  • inhaling infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing
  • touching contaminated hands or surfaces and moving the virus to the nose, mouth or eyes

Common signs of infection include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath 

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

If you suspect you have it...

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing and have had contact with returning travellers,

seek medical attention by calling:

  • 997 / 3632756 / 3632757 / 3632773

  • 72800421 (UB Nurse on call)

to speak with a Counsellor, contact

  • 3552290/91 during working hours or

  • 3554028 & 71630123 after hours

Follow the directions of Ministry of Health and Wellness by Not using public transport and if using a private vehicle or on foot, alert health facility officers on arrival before entering the facility.

Calling in advance will allow health care providers to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

National and local health authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation. You can access more information on COVID-19 in Botswana from the following;

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow the advice given by healthcare providers, the Ministry of Health and Wellness or the University of Botswana on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

In pursuit of academic excellence