Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared a state of emergency for 28 days to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
He said there will be an "extreme lockdown" from Thursday onwards when only those providing essential services will be allowed to leave their homes.
Each essential-service provider will be issued with a special a Covid-19 travel permit" by the government, he said.
Botswana on Monday became the latest African country to confirm coronavirus cases after three people tested positive.
The president has also summoned parliament to meet again within seven days and pass state-of-emergency regulations.
President Masisi said people should not panic-buy essential goods as supply will continue during the lockdown.
He said further guidelines on how people will get essential goods and services will be issued, and a relief fund had been set up to cushion those affected.
Botswana's government will give a wage subsidy to help businesses retain employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
President Masisi said his government will continue to build up grain and fuel reserves and provide water and medical equipment during the emergency.
Latest Stories
-
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
41 mins -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
1 hour -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
1 hour -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
1 hour -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
1 hour -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
2 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
2 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
2 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
3 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
3 hours -
CAF Cup: RS Berkane banned from entering Algeria because of a map of Morocco with its Sahara
3 hours -
The media isn’t doing what is expected of journalism – Sulemana Braimah
4 hours -
Truck driver who caused train accident jailed 6 months
4 hours -
Music review: Okyeame Kwame proves rap dexterity on ‘No Competition’
4 hours -
How a 23-year-old fooled the internet with an AI Kendrick Lamar diss track
4 hours