President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi has unveiled new coronavirus restrictions as the number of case numbers surge.

The restrictions include an extension to the nighttime curfew and schools remaining closed.

During a televised address, Masisi commented: "The disease burden is weighing heavily on us, with infections continuing to increase across the country, and precious lives being lost on a daily basis here at home and across the continent. Our nation has attained the highest prevalence ever."

As of last Friday, there have been 1,973 coronavirus fatalities in Botswana, up from around 300 in February.

Masisi continued: "Interzonal movement continues to be restricted to essential travel only. Reopening of schools [will] be delayed for a further three weeks, except for those students preparing for their final examinations. 

The ban on sale of alcohol remains. Curfew will now start earlier at 8pm and end at 4am for the next three weeks, after which there will be a review."

Furthermore, the president said Botswana would speed up its Covid vaccination program within the next three weeks. Around 5% of the population are now fully vaccinated. 

The president blamed the slow vaccine delivery for the disappointing pace of inoculation: "Of course, it saddens me that many have not received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and they are obviously exasperated. It may look like government is not trying hard, but I can assure you the opposite is true."

Botswana has taken its first delivery of Johnson & Johnson vaccines, totalling 108,000 doses. The country also received 38,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this month.