A 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 government official, Mr. Malepa Dibonwa has announced that Botswana has detected the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.
This comes barely a few days after neighboring South Africa also announced detection of Omicron sub-variant, bringing t two the total number of Southern African countries that have since detected the variant.
Members of the public are informed that the sub lineage of the Omicron variant XBB.1.5 has been detected in Botswana and South Africa. Only 1 case of the Omicron sub lineage XBB.1.5 has so far been detected in Botswana. The sub lineage (XBB.1.5) is a result of mutations of the already existing Omicron variant which is dominant in Botswana and the rest of the world. The Ministry of Health is therefore monitoring the situation as it evolves,” said Mr Dibonwa in a statement.
Although the Omicron sub-lineage XBB.1.5 is new in Southern Africa, it has been dominant in other countries including Europe and Asia and now United States.
“The Ministry therefore, advises Batswana to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones all the time. While these new sub-varients of the Omicron appear to easily spread, the protection offered by COVID 19 vaccine still stands. People are therefore encouraged to get vaccinated, and if vaccinated, to get boosted and those eligible to get second booster to do so, particularly the vulnerable.
