The number of Covid cases has been “doubling and doubling” in Botswana over the past fortnight according to the Health Ministry, indicating the possible start of a fifth wave.

The Ministry’s permanent secretary, Grace Muzila said authorities had serious concerns over the rising numbers of cases and admissions over the past few weeks.

“On the numbers side, we have seen these doubling and then doubling in the last week, while the colour of the map has also been changing and that’s a concern,” Muzila stated. “When we see cases without admissions, we are not that worried, but when we see cases with admissions to the level of Sir Ketumile Hospital, it’s a concern. The message from the Ministry is that honestly it’s worrying because we are starting to see admissions.”

In addition, Health Services director, Pamela Smith-Lawrence said Botswana was “seemingly entering a fifth wave,” monitoring trends in South Africa which has experienced a recent surge in cases. Smith-Lawrence noted Botswana’s cases typically increase around four weeks after South Africa.

The Health Services director added that the country was now focused on the vaccination rate. Around 62% of the population has been fully vaccinated, whilst the rate for the third booster inoculation is under 40%.

“For the past few months up to now, the few hospitalisations we have had involved people vaccinated when the programme began last year between March and July and some of them did not come for their second doses or boosters. Immunity wanes over time and we have seen some people with that issue. Some of them are the elderly, like over 50 years and above and we are losing a few of them in that bracket,” Smith-Lawrence added.

As of 31st May, there were 1,276 active Covid cases inC, a rise from 586 on 24th May.